Case study 16: Coastal zone management for Cyprus: Trans-national technology transfer and diffusion

In 1993 the Government of Cyprus and Delft Hydraulics jointly started the Study Coastal Zone Management for Cyprus under the framework of the European Union programme MEDSPA (MEDiterranean Strategy and Plan Action). The contract involved transfer of technology and know-how on shoreline management and erosion control technologies from the Dutch Consultants to the staff of the Coastal Unit of the Public Works Department of Cyprus. The major objectives were: &bull capacity building and development of local expertise within the Coastal Unit through transfer of technology and on-the-job training &bull development of proper methods to protect the coastline and improve the quality of the beach where necessary, without any serious consequences to the environment The outcome of the study formed the basis for further work on Shoreline Management in Cyprus, which is currently being conducted by the Coastal Unit.