Environmental Issues, Social Perception and Coastal Erosion Management: Case Studies from Cyprus

Coastal zone is a dynamic environment and each coastal area is a unique natural system. Erosion control should be treated within the framework of an integrated coastal erosion management scheme and as an integral part of an Integrated Coastal Zone/Area Management Plan. Erosion management is a multi-discipline task. It is not just an engineering problem. Environmental, social and economic parameters should be incorporate in the system, available tools such as EIA, SEA, Fiscal Instruments etc., should be implemented, public participation and civic engagement should be enhanced. This paper addresses the above issues through the following case studies from Cyprus: The Environmental Impact Study for proposed coastal structures in Hrysohou Bay. EIS questioned the engineering solutions which were proposed for combating erosion, something which created conflicts with the coastal engineers, the local authority, the local community and the competent authorities and decision makers. The methodology/approach of this EIA/EIS will be presented in this paper, which was quite innovative for Cyprus, together with a description and evaluation of the conflicting situation. The pilot study on social perception for coastal erosion issues in the Dolos-Kiti area, which was prepared within the framework of EUROSION project (pilot study of Cyprus). The assessment of social perception was based on static and dynamic analysis, using existing knowledge and field surveys/questionnaires. The results of the beach users field survey will be presented and discussed in this paper. Demolition of one groyn in front of a hotel in Pafos. Work against prejudice that "good" coastal structures are only "hard" coastal structures.