REPORT ON A QUANTITATIVE SURVEY ON

REPORT ON A QUANTITATIVE SURVEY ONREPORT ON A QUANTITATIVE SURVEY ON

PERCEPTIONS ONPERCEPTIONS ON

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN CYPRUSCHANGE IN CYPRUS

December, 2008

Prepared for

CESF and AKTI Project and Research Centre in cooperation with

United Nations Development ProgrammeAction for Cooperation and Trust

http://www.rai.com.cy/http://www.rai.com.cy/

RAIRAIRAI Consultants Public LTDRAI Consultants Public LTD

22

IntroductionIntroduction

The Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum (CESF) and the Network for a

Sustainable Future which forms the Coastal Group of CESF, with the support of

AKTI Project and Research Centre, in cooperation with UNDP-ACT, has requested

from RAI Consultants Public Ltd to carry out an opinion research project which

would explore various environmental issues among the Cypriot public. The

present document is the report on the survey that was carried out between the

1st and 30th of November 2008, aiming to collect data on the following topics:

Awareness / attitudes towards climate change Awareness of environmental issues, including coastal erosion Awareness of organizations which promote/fund the care of coastal areas Awareness of the function / attitudes towards breakwaters

This research project, which employed a quantitative methodology, consisted of

telephone interviews and face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of

members of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. The sample was

distributed proportionately throughout the urban and rural areas of the island.

A total sample of 661 telephone interviews were carried out – with 412 Greek

Cypriots and 248 Turkish Cypriots.

33

METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY

CoverageThe survey was based on a nationally representative sample drawn from urban and rural areas on both sides of the Cyprus divide.

Sample SelectionThe method of multistage stratified sampling, based on the Population Census available for each community was used for the sample selection.

Interviewing techniqueIn the Greek Cypriot Community, interviewing was carried out by CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews). In the Turkish Cypriot Community, interviewing was carried out by a combination of telephone and face-to-face interviewing. The average length of each interview was 20 minutes.

Sample structureIn total, 661 interviews were carried out – 412 with Greek Cypriots and 248 with Turkish Cypriots. The demographic analysis of the sample structure is shown overleaf.

Data analysisThe data were processed and analysed with the aid of the QPS software package. The margin of error, calculated at the 95% confidence level is, at a maximum, ± 4%.

44

SAMPLE STRUCTURESAMPLE STRUCTURE

Greek Cypriot Turkish Cypriot

No. % No. %

Total: 412 100 248 100

By Gender

Male 160 39 128 52

Female 252 61 120 48

By Age

18-29 100 24 64 26

30-49 160 39 99 40

50+ 152 37 85 34

By District

Nicosia 158 38 71 29

Limassol 121 29 - -

Larnaca 78 10 - -

Famaghusta 19 5 61 25

Paphos 36 9 - -

Kyrenia - - 46 18

Morphou - - 48 19

Tricomo - - 22 3

By Region

Urban 293 71 131 53

Rural 119 29 117 47

Summary of Key FindingsSummary of Key Findings

66


The term “sustainable Development” was known to one third of the sample, but nearly half of those who knew it were not aware of its meaning. Some of those who knew it thought that it referred to the environment whilst others thought that it referred to the viability of economic development.

The development currently taking place in Cyprus was rated modestly by the respondents, who tended not to think that it was sustainable for future generations.

The greatest environmental problem faced by Cyprus today was understood to relate to its forests.

Overall there was dissatisfaction with information received with regards to various aspects of development such as coastal management, tourism development, urban planning and land use, waste management and water management. Most dissatisfaction was expressed for planning and land use.

The most frequently spontaneously mentioned problem faced by the Cyprus coasts was pollution of the coastal waters. Landscape degradation, water scarcity and overpopulation were also mentioned by considerable proportions of respondents – more so by Turkish Cypriots than by Greek Cypriots.

Coastal erosion was spontaneously named as a problem by a small minority of 8%. After prompting, 50% of the sample agreed that the Cyprus coasts are experiencing erosion.

The respondents were almost equally divided between those who were in favour of breakwaters and those who were against them, preferring the beach to be left in its natural formation even if eroded.

The belief that any touristic development in Cyprus should take the environment into account was strongly present among the sample.

Climate change was currently influencing Cyprus according to the majority of the sample – more so according to Greek than among Turkish Cypriots.

The readiness of Cyprus to deal with the problems created by climate change was mostly rated as unsatisfactory.

77


The Aarhus convention was known to a small minority of 6% of the respondents.

The media were the most likely body to be named as capable of having an impact on achieving environmental sustainability.

Those who thought that in Cyprus the citizen is either consulted or can participate in decision making with regards to social issues were at a minority.

Bi-communal co-operation was, according to most, essential in resolving environmental priorities.

There was a tendency, among the total sample, to express the opinion that environmental sustainability decisions should be made at the EU level. Analysis by ethnic group, however, indicates that Greek Cypriots tend to prefer these decisions to be made at the federal level, while Turkish Cypriots tend prefer the EU level for decisions relating to the environment.

Detailed FindingsDetailed Findings

Part IPart I

Awareness of the term “sustainable Awareness of the term “sustainable development”development”

1010

Awareness of “Sustainable Development”Awareness of “Sustainable Development”

Yes, 32%

No, 68%

Whether ever heard of the term “Sustainable Development”

Nearly one third of all respondents interviewed for this study claimed that they had ever heard the term “sustainable development, whilst over two thirds claimed that they had not heard of it.

Analysis of the answers to the question of whether they had ever heard of this term by ethnic group shows an uneven distribution of awareness, with twice as many Greek Cypriots saying that they had heard of it compared to Turkish Cypriots.

40%60%

19%

81%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

GC Sample TC Sample

Yes No

Base: All respondents

Whether ever heard of the term “Sustainable Development” by ethnic group


1111

Awareness of “Sustainable Development” (cont’d)Awareness of “Sustainable Development” (cont’d)

What “Sustainable Development” refers toBase: All respondents

Asked what they thought that the term “Sustainable Development” referred to, nearly half the respondents (48%) could not say.

The variety of responses given by those who ventured to give an answer to the relevant question showed that while many believed that the term referred to development which took the environment, and subsequently survival, into account, others saw it as referring to the social and economic aspects of development.

TotalGreek Cypriot

Turkish Cypriot

Base: 661 412 248

% % %

Don’t Know 48 35 68

Development that respects the environment 9 12 4

A healthy lifestyle / survival 7 11 -

Development that helps life to continue 4 7 -

The environment / environmental studies 4 6 -

The relationship between humans and the environment 3 4 -

The protection of nature and prevention of problems 2 - 5

The survival of animals / plants / trees / forests 2 3 -

To organic products / organic agriculture 2 3 -

To recycling / usage of renewable sources 1 2 -

Continuous development, innovations, improvements 8 5 14

The economic well being of society / the country 3 3 4

Development that will last / for future generations 2 3 1

Plans for a better future 1 1 2

Work opportunities / permanence 1 - 3

Other 4 8 -

Part IIPart II

Views on the state of the Views on the state of the environment in Cyprusenvironment in Cyprus

1313

Evaluation of development taking place in CyprusEvaluation of development taking place in Cyprus

TotalGC

Sample TC Sample

Mean score 4 4.5 3

Asked to evaluate the overall development currently taking place in Cyprus in terms of its sustainability for future generations, the greatest proportion of respondents (24%) gave it a 5 on a 10-point scale. Most of the others rated current development below the medium point, whilst 20% gave it a rating of over 5 points.

Analysis by ethnic group shows the Turkish Cypriot sample giving the development a lower rating than the Greek Cypriot sample did, indicating a greater level of dissatisfaction with the development in the northern part of the island.

Very deficient Perfect

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

18% 8% 14% 10% 24% 8% 5% 4% 1% 2%

Rating of the overall development currently taking place in Cyprus on sustainability for future

generations


1414

Sectors of the environment believed to be currently Sectors of the environment believed to be currently facing problems in Cyprusfacing problems in Cyprus

Aspects facing

problems

Need greatest

attention*

Base: 661 661

% %

The forests 73 22

The urban environment 66 7

Farmland 63 8

The atmosphere 63 14

Rivers and wetlands 62 10

The sea 57 12

Aquifers 57 12

The coastline 50 4

Maquis 46 3

Don’t know / no answer 6 7


The forests were mentioned by nearly three quarters of the respondents as one of the aspects of the environment that is facing a problem in Cyprus. The forests were also named by the greatest proportion (22%) when they were asked to name one aspect that needed the greatest attention. Other elements named as being those needing greatest attention were the atmosphere, the sea, aquifers and rivers and wetlands, each mentioned by 10% - 14%.

Considerable proportions of up to 66% mentioned rivers and wetlands, the atmosphere, farmland and the urban environment as aspects currently facing problems. The sea, aquifers and the coastline were understood to be facing a problem by between 50% and 57% of the respondents, while maquis were mentioned in this context by 46%.

The coastline, with 50% mentions as an aspect facing problems and 4% mentions as an aspect needing greatest attention does not seem to occupy a relatively significant place in the list of environmental concerns of the respondents.

Aspects of the environment facing problems and need greatest attention

* Single answer

1515

The public’s relationship with specific environmental The public’s relationship with specific environmental issuesissues

Coastal manage

ment

Tourism Developm

ent

Urban Planning

/Land Use

Waste manage

ment

Water manage

ment

Base: 661 661 661 661 661

% % % % %

Rating of satisfaction with the degree to which you are informed about matters relating to …

30

61

35

57

18

73

23

68

46

49

Very satisfiedQuite satisfied

redred

Not very satisfiedNot at all satisfied

white

Rating scale


Rating of satisfaction with various factors concerning development

Part IIIPart III

Cyprus’ CoastsCyprus’ Coasts

1717

Problems faced by Cyprus’ coastsProblems faced by Cyprus’ coasts

First mentioned

Total mentions

Base: 661 661

% %

Pollution of coastal waters 37 54

Landscape degradation 11 27

Water scarcity 8 16

Over populated - crowded 5 15

Overdevelopment 5 12

Pollution from rubbish 8 10

Erosion 5 8

Algae 1 6

Not organised / not adequately developed - 2

Building on the coast 1 1

Not enough lifeguards / safety of bathers - 1

Wrong development that does not protect the environment - 1

Selling off the coast 7 1

Don't know / no answer 12 12

No problems 2 -

Total problems faced by the Cyprus coasts


Pollution of coastal waters was the most frequently spontaneously mentioned problem that the respondents believed were faced by the coasts of Cyprus – mentioned by 54%. 37% had mentioned this problem first when they were asked the relevant question, indicating that this is the problem most prominent in their mind.

The second most frequently mentioned problem was landscape degradation, mentioned by 27% of the respondents, of whom 11% had given it a first mention.

Water scarcity, over population, overdevelopment and pollution from rubbish were each cited by between 10% and 16% as problems, while erosion was spontaneously mentioned by 8%.

1818

Problems faced by Cyprus’ Coasts (cont’d)Problems faced by Cyprus’ Coasts (cont’d)

Greek Cypriot

Turkish Cypriot

Base: 412 248

% %

Pollution of coastal waters 55 53

Landscape degradation 16 46

Water scarcity 3 39

Over populated - crowded 6 31

Overdevelopment 11 14

Pollution from rubbish 16 -

Erosion 5 13

Algae 2 12

Not organized / not adequately developed 3 -

Building on the coast 2 -

Not enough lifeguards / safety of bathers 2 -

Wrong development that does not protect the environment 2 -

Selling off the coast 1 1

Don't know / no answer 7 14

No problems 4 -

Total problems faced by the Cyprus coastsBy ethnic group Base: All respondents

It is interesting to note that the two communities perceive the problems faced by the coasts of Cyprus differently, with Turkish Cypriots naming landscape degradation, water scarcity and overpopulation in considerably greater frequencies than Greek Cypriots do.

Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, were more likely to mention pollution from rubbish than Turkish Cypriots were.

1919

Whether Cyprus coastline is experiencing erosionWhether Cyprus coastline is experiencing erosion

Yes, 50%

No, 50%

Having mentioned all the problems that they believed were faced by Cyprus coasts spontaneously, those respondents who had not mentioned erosion as a problem were specifically asked whether they thought this was a problem.

Taken together with those who had already mentioned erosion, we find that half of all respondents now believe that erosion is one of the problems faced by the Cyprus coastline.

Analysis by ethnic group indicates that Greek Cypriots are more likely than Turkish Cypriots to see erosion as one of the problems faced by the Cyprus coasts.

60%

40%28%

72%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

GC Sample TC Sample

Yes No


Percentage who think that Cyprus coastline is experiencing erosion

Percentage who think that Cyprus coastline is experiencing erosion by ethnic group


2020

The public’s attitudes towards aspects of coastal The public’s attitudes towards aspects of coastal developmentdevelopment

Total

Base: 661

Mean score

In my opinion, constructed breakwaters are aesthetically pleasing

2.6

I do not like breakwaters, I prefer the beach to be left in its natural formation even if it is eroded

2.4

Coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon and there is nothing we can do about it

2.3

Coastal erosion is a result of human activities 2.8

I would prefer a more environmentally friendly way for protecting the coastline from erosion

3.3

Areas protected from development, such as National Parks and Marine Reserves are good for the economy of the area

3.2

Any touristic development should take the environment into account

3.7

In Cyprus tourist development follows an environmentally friendly model

2.6

Development of mild tourism is preferable to the Ayia Napa type of massive development

3.4

The highest level of agreement was expressed for the statement “Any tourist development should take the environment into account”.

Lowest agreement was expressed for the statements

“Coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon and there is nothing we can do about it”

“I do not like breakwaters, I prefer the beach to be left in its natural formation even if it is eroded”

“In Cyprus tourist development follows an environmentally friendly model”

“In my opinion, constructed breakwaters are aesthetically pleasing”

It is notable that there was a higher tendency by respondents from the older age groups of both communities compared to the younger age groups to agree with the statement “I do not like breakwaters, I prefer the beach to be left in its natural formation even if it is eroded”.

Totally agree 4

Somewhat agree 3

Somewhat disagree 2

Totally disagree 1

Rating scale


Level of agreement with specific statements

Part IVPart IV

Perceptions on the effects of climate change Perceptions on the effects of climate change on Cyprus on Cyprus

2222

Cyprus and climate changeCyprus and climate change

28%

5%19%

18%

47%

11%3%

1%

20%

81%

68%

2.9

3.8

3.4

0%

50%

100%

Total Greek Cypriot Turkish Cypriot

1

2

3

4

5

Not at all Not very much A little Very much Mean score

The majority of the respondents (68%) thought that Cyprus was affected by climate change very much.

Analysis by ethnic group indicates that Greek Cypriots are much more likely than Turkish Cypriots to believe that climate change is influencing Cyprus.

Extent Cyprus is believed to be affected by climate change


2323

Cyprus and climate change (cont’d)Cyprus and climate change (cont’d)

TotalGreek

CypriotTurkish Cypriot

Base: 589 410 179

% % %

Draught / no rainfall 36 37 31

Water scarcity 26 25 28

Higher temperatures / Global warming 21 20 22

Negative effects on agriculture and animal husbandry 19 24 8

Tourism is affected negatively 12 17 -

Seasonal abnormalities / extreme weather conditions 11 13 7

Plant / tree / forest / animal extinction 9 11 3

Environmental pollution / atmosphere is full of dust 7 8 5

The economy is harmed 7 9 -

Negative effects on health / well being 4 5 3

The environment is harmed 4 6 -

Erosion /desertification 2 2 2

High humidity in the atmosphere 2 2 2

Fires 1 1 0

Rising sea levels, erosion of coasts 1 1 0

Other 4 4 3

DK/NA 8 4 17

Ways Cyprus is affected by climate change

Base: All believing Cyprus is affected by climate change

According to those who thought that climate change did have an effect on Cyprus, this impact was most evident in the lack of rainfall or the draught experienced and in the subsequent water scarcity.

Other problems cited by significant proportions were higher temperatures, adverse effects on agriculture and animal husbandry, seasonal abnormalities and extreme weather conditions. A considerable proportion – all Greek Cypriots – remarked that climate change was also having negative effects on tourism.

2424

Readiness of Cyprus to deal with problems arising from Readiness of Cyprus to deal with problems arising from climate changeclimate change

Rating of preparation of Cyprus in dealing with problems arising from climate change

Base: All respondents The greatest proportion of respondents (46%) thought that Cyprus was not at all prepared to deal with problems that are arising as a result of climate change. A further 30% thought that Cyprus was not very well prepared while a minority of 20% expressed the opinion that it was somewhat or very well prepared.22%

13%17%

15%

48%46% 44%

30% 35%

6%

2%7%

1.91.81.8

0%

50%

100%

Total Greek Cypriot Turkish Cypriot

1

2

3

4

5

Not at all prepared Not very well prepared Somewhat prepared

Very well prepared Mean score

Part VPart V

Action on environmental concerns in Cyprus Action on environmental concerns in Cyprus

2626

Aarhus ConventionAarhus Convention

Yes, 6%

No, 94%

Awareness of "Aarhus Convention"


The Aarhus Convention was known to a small minority of 6% of the respondents.

2727

Expectations from various sectorsExpectations from various sectors

Total

Base: 661

Mean score

Environment authorities 3.2

The private sector 2.9

Cypriot NGOs (civil society) 3

International pressure groups 3

Religious authorities 2.4

International donors (e.g. UNDP) 3.1

The media 3.4

Ordinary citizens 3.2

The media were considered to be one of the sectors with the greatest power to have an impact on achieving environmental sustainability.

Other sectors in which the respondents appeared to have considerable faith in the context of having an impact on environmental sustainability were environmental authorities, ordinary citizens and international donors, such as UNDP-ACT.

Extent to which various sectors can have an impact on achieving environmental sustainability


Very much 4

Quite a lot 3

Not very much 2

Not at all 1

Rating scale

2828

The citizen’s role in decision makingThe citizen’s role in decision making

Total

Base: 661

%

Totally agree (4.0) 11

Somewhat agree (3.0) 15

Somewhat disagree (2.0) 28

Totally disagree (1.0) 32

Don't know /No answer 13

Mean score 2.1

The majority of the respondents from both communities did not think that as citizens they were consulted in the decision making process on environmental issues.

Rating of agreement: In Cyprus the citizen is usually consulted in the decision making process on environmental matters


2929

The citizen’s role in decision makingThe citizen’s role in decision making

A considerable proportion of the respondents, 24% in total, with a bias on Turkish Cypriots, did not know about any law that safeguards and protects the citizen’s participation in the decision making process on environmental issues.

Of the others, the likelihood was that they disagreed that such a law existed at all, although about one third of them did agree with the statement “In Cyprus there is a law that safeguards and protects the citizen's participation in the decision making process on environmental issues”.

TotalGreek


Base: 661 412 248

% % %

Totally agree (4.0) 14 15 12

Somewhat agree (3.0) 20 21 16

Somewhat disagree (2.0) 21 22 19

Totally disagree (1.0) 20 20 20

Don't know /No answer 24 21 33

Mean score 2.4 2.4 2.3

Rating of agreement - In Cyprus there is a law that safeguards and protects the citizen's participation in the

decision making process on environmental issues


3030

Bi-communal cooperationBi-communal cooperation

TotalGreek


Base: 661 412 248

Mean score

Mean score

Mean score

Solid waste 3.2 3.3 2.9

Pollution (air/soil/water) 3.3 3.5 3

Erosion 3 3.2 2.6

Water shortages 3.3 3.5 2.8

Deforestation 3.2 3.3 3

Unplanned developments 3.1 3.2 3

Conventional farming 3.1 3.2 2.8

Urban development 3.1 3.2 3

Tourism 3.1 3.2 3.1

Biodiversity loss 3 3.2 2.7

Extent to which bi-communal cooperation is considered essential for resolving environmental priorities


Respondents tended to claim that they considered bi-communal co-operation essential for resolving environmental priorities in Cyprus.

There were some variations in the degree in which this co-operation was considered essential in the comparison between the responses of the two communities, with Turkish Cypriots considering co-operation in most sectors less essential than Greek Cypriots do.

Very essential 4

Somewhat essential 3

Not very essential 2

Not at all essential 1

Rating scale

3131

Environmental sustainability decisionsEnvironmental sustainability decisions

Where decisions regarding environmental sustainability should be made at

30%

10%

32%

21%

38%

11%

29%

19%16%

9%

35%

24%

Total GC Sample TC Sample

The central/federal level The community/constituent state level

The EU level The international level


The greatest proportion of respondents, 32% believed that decisions regarding environmental sustainability should be made at the EU level and a relatively high proportion of 30% named the central/federal level in this context.

Analysis by ethnic group indicates that the federal level is mostly supported in this context by Greek Cypriots, while Turkish Cypriots are more likely to consider the EU level and the international level as the most appropriate forum for decision making on matters of environmental sustainability.

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