Govt spent only 0.3% of GDP on environmental protection in 2004

On the basis of the results of a survey carried out by the Statistical Service, the total expenditure for environmental protection activities in the public sector in 2004 is estimated at CYP 23.0 mln, which corresponds to 0.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The share of the GDP of Cyprus devoted to environmental protection activities is rather low compared to the other member-states of the European Union, where it ranges from 0.1% in Lithuania to 1.5% in the Netherlands.

The total current expenditure reached CYP 19.6 mln, whereas the investments in capital expenditure reached CYP 3.4 mln.

Furthermore, CYP 1.2 mln were devoted to subsidies/ transfers provided to other sectors. Finally, the revenues stemming from environmental protection activities amounted to CYP 3.8 mln.

By environmental domain, the majority of the current and capital expenditure had been undertaken in relation to wastewater treatment (CYP 4.2 mln or 18.2% of the total expenditure) and other general environmental issues as well as actions for the protection of biodiversity (CYP 15.5 mln or 67.5%).

The monitoring, treatment and disposal of waste absorbed CYP 1.8 mln or 7.9% of the total expenditure, the monitoring and abatement of air pollution CYP 0.7 mln or 3.0%, the protection of soil and ground water CYP 0.6 mln or 2.4% and the abatement of noise and vibrations CYP 0.2 mln or 1.0%.

The biggest amount of expenditures was undertaken by the Forests Department. The Water Development Department and the Environment Service.