CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

2024

Scientific Publications related to SDG 6* = 64

* During the period 2020-2024

Citation impact_ SDG6**= 2.16

** Annual average during the period 2020-2024

New Research Programs related to SDG 6*** = 3

*** Launched in 2024.

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: Monitoring and detection of biotic and abiotic pollutants by electronic, plants and microorganisms based sensors
  • Acronym: Mobiles
  • Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
  • Abstract: Currently there are no portable tests or biosensors validated for air, soil or water quality control for pathogens, Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Persistent Mobile Chemicals (PMCs), so such devices are much awaited by all stakeholders to ensure successful control and prevention of contamination and infections. Mobiles consortium will develop an interdisciplinary framework of expertise, and tools for monitoring, detection, and consequently mitigation of pollution from pathogens, CECs, PMCs, thus benefiting human and environmental health. Mobiles consortium will work to achieve the following objectives:
    (1) Develop electronic biosensors for monitoring organic chemicals (pesticides, hormones) and antimicrobial resistance bacteria and pathogens in water, soil and air; (2) Develop organism-based biosensor for detection of organic and inorganic pollution in water and soil;
    Study environmental performance of developed organisms and devices; (3) Metagenomics analysis of organisms leaving in polluted areas in order to enable searches for diverse functionalities across multiple gene clusters΄΄; (3) Perform safety tests (e.g., EFSA) to assess the impact of developed organisms on the natural environment.
    Organism-based biosensor will consist on genetically modified chemiluminescent bacteria able to detect antibiotics, heavy metals, and pesticides in water; genetically modified plants that will change colour when in the soil is present arsenic; and marine diatoms that will be used to detect bioplastic degradation in marine and aquatic environments. Developed devices and organisms will be implemented by using flexible technologies, which can guarantee an easy adaptation to other biotic and abiotic pollutants.
  • Title: A Comprehensive Cereal Supply Chain Quality Control and Decision Making Framework
  • Acronym: TraCEREAL
  • Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
  • Abstract: Cyprus faces a multitude of challenges related to food security, health, nutrition, and sustainability. These issues stem from factors such as a growing population, the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and limited local food production, which result in a fragile cereal supply chain that is highly reliant on imports. This dependency makes the cereal supply chain susceptible to disruptions caused by external factors, and highlights the need for effective solutions to enhance its resilience. One potential strategy for bolstering resilience is to increase local cereal production and reduce reliance on imports. However, this approach encounters limitations due to Cyprus’ own water scarcity, limited arable land, and insufficient agricultural technologies. Given these constraints, there is a clear need for a comprehensive approach to optimize Cyprus’ cereal supply chain, with a primary focus on building resilience rather than just efficiency.
  • Title: Green dEal Compliant IRriGation Increasing Europe’s Agriculture resilience to drought
  • Acronym: GEORGIA
  • Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
  • Abstract: The GEORGIA project is dedicated to turn water management and soil health challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. Aligned with Europe’s Green Deal objectives, GEORGIA is driving an agricultural transformation that is environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. By combining agricultural expertise with AI-powered digital tools and technologies, GEORGIA advances water management and irrigation practices, while utilizing alternative and recycled water sources. The project promotes sustainable crop production and improved soil health, building resilience to climate change. Through holistic agricultural approaches and the integration of advanced technologies, GEORGIA empowers farmers with enhanced competitiveness and fair income opportunities.
    The aims of the project are: (1) Explore societal, regulatory, and technological needs, drivers, and barriers for new irrigation practices; design and develop models through multi-actor, co-creation processes to increase the uptake in practice, (2) Develop insight and mechanisms for safe and environmentally – responsible usage of sewage sludge and other biowaste streams as well as their nutrients, (3) Upscale of the on-farm water management practices and results at the catchment level, optimizing catchment- based agricultural production as well as reduction of runoff patterns and changes in hydrological cycles, (4) Introduce novel tools for efficient combined use of water and fertilizers via irrigation for different agricultural systems and types of productions, including agroecology; Improve practices and solutions in small and large-scale farms to deal with the effects of water abundance (rapid showers, floods) and/or water scarcity, (5) Demonstrate and validate innovative irrigation schemes including forms of alternative water for agriculture and climate change, evaluating their socio-economic, environmental and health impacts, (6) Maximize impact to the agricultural community and policy level through Dissemination, Exploitation and Commercialization, provide recommendations for incentives and policies at regional, national and EU-level and create a Culture of Sustainability.
  • Title: Climate-resilient regions through systemic solutions and innovations
  • Acronym: ARSINOE
  • Funding framework: EU HORIZON 2020
  • Abstract: The ARSINOE project will shape the pathways to resilience by bringing together SIA (Systems Innovation Approach) and CIW (Climate Innovation Window) with the purpose to build an ecosystem for climate change adaptation solutions. Within the ARSINOE ecosystem, pathways to solutions are co-created and co-designed by stakeholders, who can then select either existing CIW technologies, or technologies by new providers (or a combination) to form an innovation package.
    Adaptation to climate change refers to all approaches taken to adjust, prepare for, and accommodate new conditions that are created by changing climates. For natural-resource managers, adaptation strategies also include actions taken to assist natural resources (species, habitats, forest plantations, watersheds) in accommodating new conditions imposed by climate, but also facing socio-economic impacts brought about by a worsening climate migration crisis. As climate change is complex and interconnected with other global challenges, such as food security, water scarcity, biodiversity depletion and environmental degradation, it is insufficient to use traditional approaches to innovation that focus on one aspect of the problem. This is why we need Systems Innovation Approach (SIA) to address the growing complexity, interdependencies and interconnectedness of modern societies and economies, focusing on the functions of the cross-sectoral system “”as a whole”” and on the variety of actors.

Strategic Actions / Operations

Water consumption tracking

CUT conducts comprehensive water consumption tracking across all campus facilities. All inbound water is supplied exclusively through the municipal mains network of the District Local Government Organisations of Limassol and Paphos. CUT does not extract water from rivers, lakes, aquifers, nor operate on-site desalination. The municipal supply is a seasonal blend of treated surface water and desalinated seawater. Total water use is measured through the annual metered volumes recorded on EOAs’ billing meters, which cover all buildings, irrigation areas, and cooling systems. Laboratory DI/RO units and point-of-use filters rely solely on the same mains supply. In 2024, CUT consumed 8468 m³, all from treated mains water, with 0 m³ from groundwater, surface water abstraction, or on-site desalination.

Wastewater treatment

CUT ensures full wastewater treatment by directing all wastewater into the central sewage system of Limassol and Paphos, as documented by the Environmental Policy Office. The wastewater is processed at the respective central wastewater treatment plants in full compliance with environmental protection and public health standards under Directive (EU) 2024/3019. The resulting treated wastewater is primarily reused for irrigation in agriculture and horticulture. Through this process, CUT actively supports the national wastewater reuse policy, contributing to sustainable development and environmentally responsible practices. Further information on treatment operations is available through the Sewerage Boards of Limassol and Paphos.

Preventing water system pollution

CUT implements strict procedures for preventing water system pollution by ensuring the safe collection and management of all laboratory waste. No hazardous substances are ever discharged into the municipal sewage system. All waste is separated into dedicated containers according to category-chemical (organic, inorganic, metal/organometallic, chlorinated and non-chlorinated compounds) and biological-and removed exclusively by a licensed company authorised by the Ministry of Environment. The contractor provides full documentation confirming compliant recycling or environmentally sound disposal, in line with national and EU environmental protection regulations. CUT also promotes safe practices by selecting environmentally friendly laboratory and cleaning products and by offering targeted sustainability training under its ISO 45001 health and safety system, supported by annual refresher courses.

Free drinking water provided

CUT provides free drinking water to its community as part of its strategic commitment to environmental, social, and health sustainability. All staff have access to filtered drinking water through filtration units installed in the kitchens of every university building, supplied via the public water network of the District Local Government Organisation. This initiative reduces plastic bottle use, lowers emissions from plastic transportation, and limits exposure to plastic-leaching pollutants, as confirmed by CUT research. To further promote sustainability and support students, CUT has also installed an outdoor drinking water fountain, offering free and safe water access. The fountain was implemented through the “Refill, don’t landfill” campaign of the NGO Let’s Make Cyprus Green, which sponsored the filter and installation, reinforcing CUT’s efforts to encourage responsible water use across campus.

Water-conscious building standards

CUT applies water-conscious building standards across its facilities to minimise water use and support sustainable operations. All university buildings are equipped with water-efficient fixtures, including automatic faucets with mechanisms that stop water flow immediately after use and motion-sensor taps that ensure water runs only when needed. Additionally, dual-flush toilet systems allow users to select lower or higher water-volume options, contributing to responsible and efficient water management. These measures form part of CUT’s broader commitment to sustainability and conscious water consumption, and detailed evidence of the installations is provided on the webpage of the Environmental Policy Office.

Water-conscious planting

CUT implements water-conscious planting across all available green areas, selecting drought-tolerant and climate-appropriate species to minimise water use and promote sustainable water management. Native Mediterranean plants, including olive and carob trees, are incorporated into campus landscapes such as the Andreas Themistocleous building. Additional water-efficient planting takes place at the University’s agricultural field in Lofou and within the CUT greenhouse, which also hosts an aromatic garden of traditional and endemic species that support biodiversity. Through research projects and plant-adoption initiatives, CUT promotes the use of drought-resistant species within the wider community. Planned green spaces at the future Berengaria development will further strengthen CUT’s long-term commitment to sustainable, water-conscious landscaping.

Water reuse policy

CUT implements a comprehensive water reuse policy through its official Water Management Policy, which guides sustainable water use, recycling, and responsible resource management across all operations. The Policy ensures that water is sourced exclusively from the District Local Authorities in line with legislation, while opportunities for water recycling, reuse, and the use of recycled water are explored wherever technically feasible. Provisions also include the evaluation of water-recycling technologies, the sustainable use of potential groundwater sources, and the prompt reporting of leaks to minimise losses. CUT promotes education, research, and innovation in water resource management, encouraging participation in initiatives that enhance water-use efficiency. Implementation is supported by an Action Plan with defined objectives and monitoring procedures. CUT remains committed to responsible water management and the protection of water as a valuable natural resource.

Water reuse measurement

CUT conducts water reuse measurement by tracking the total volume of water used on campus, which generates an equivalent volume of wastewater discharged into the central sewage systems of Limassol and Paphos. As documented by the Environmental Policy Office, this wastewater is treated at the respective central wastewater treatment plants in full compliance with Directive (EU) 2024/3019. After treatment, the treated wastewater is primarily reused for irrigation in agriculture and horticulture, in alignment with national wastewater reuse practices. For 2024, an estimated 8000 m³ of treated effluent- adjusted for less than 5% losses from leaks and evaporation- was made available for reuse by municipalities and farmers in the Limassol and Paphos districts

Sustainable water extraction on campus

CUT ensures sustainable water extraction by sourcing all campus water exclusively through the central municipal distribution system of Limassol. As the University does not extract water on campus from aquifers, lakes, rivers, or any natural sources, all water supplied to CUT is obtained off campus by the national Water Development Department. This authority employs certified sustainable water extraction technologies and practices, as documented on its official platform. Since water sourcing is carried out solely by the national department, CUT relies entirely on these sustainably managed processes for its water supply, ensuring full compliance with national standards and environmentally responsible resource management.

Promoting conscious water usage on campus

CUT actively promotes conscious water usage across its campuses, in alignment with its sustainable Water Management Policy. Water use mainly relates to toilets, taps, and kitchen areas, where water-efficient installations- including dual-flush toilets and sensor- or time-controlled taps- minimise unnecessary consumption. The University also provides filtered drinking water through kitchen water coolers and an outdoor refill station, reducing plastic use and supporting responsible water use. All buildings are connected to the central sewage system, where wastewater is treated and indirectly reused for irrigation, contributing to national water-reuse efforts. Additionally, CUT maintains climate-appropriate greenery, ensuring that any planted areas follow water-efficient landscaping practices suited to Cyprus’s environmental conditions.

Outreach

Water management educational opportunities

CUT provides free and paid water management educational opportunities for local communities, schools, competent authorities, professionals, and citizens. Throughout 2024, the University delivered a wide range of open-access events, workshops, seminars, mobile applications, and conferences that enhanced public understanding of good water management. Free activities included school awareness campaigns, educational mobile apps, museum engagement tools, an Open Day on cyanobacterial bloom management, and public demonstrations of water treatment processes. Paid opportunities included international scientific conferences on water technologies and a specialised professional Training Programme on Environmental Impact Assessment with water-related modules. Through these initiatives, CUT strengthens community knowledge, professional capacity, and societal awareness, actively advancing SDG 6 and promoting responsible and sustainable water use across Cyprus.

Off-campus water conservation support

CUT actively strengthens off-campus water conservation through research, community engagement, and capacity-building initiatives that extend sustainable water management beyond the University. The Water Treatment Laboratory (WTL-AQUA) monitors cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in collaboration with national authorities, supporting compliance with EU Directive 2020/2184 and safeguarding surface-water quality. Under the INTERREG DOMUS-CW project, CUT partnered with the Choletria Community to reconstruct a nature-based wastewater-treatment wetland, which now operates as a living classroom offering field labs, workshops, and training for residents. These actions enhance community-level skills in water stewardship, monitoring, and conservation. Collectively, CUT’s initiatives reinforce Cyprus’s water-conservation capacity and advance SDG 6 through practical, off-campus environmental support.

Cooperation on water security

CUT cooperates extensively on water security through local, national, regional, and global partnerships that strengthen research, monitoring, and capacity-building. At the local level, CUT contributes to the Stockholm Junior Water Prize by supporting youth-led water-innovation initiatives. Nationally, CUT advances water-quality research through AQUA’s cyanobacteria monitoring, the Water & Health Laboratory’s environmental health studies, and nationwide tap-water analyses under the CHILDREN FIRST Network. Regionally, the Eratosthenes CoE supports water-resource optimisation through digital tools such as the Agri NexusHub. Globally, CUT collaborates with international institutions, including an MoU with ICHA University (South Korea) and representation in the EU COST Action CYANOACTION. Collectively, these collaborations enhance resilience to water scarcity and reinforce progress toward SDG 6.

Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

CUT actively promotes conscious water usage in the wider community through educational outreach, youth engagement, and dissemination of scientific knowledge. At the 2024 European Researchers’ Night, CUT demonstrated a small-scale water treatment plant to educate the public on national water-treatment processes and water-quality monitoring. CUT academics also mentored secondary-school teams for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, supporting youth-led solutions to global water challenges. Additionally, the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence presented the Agri NexusHub, a digital tool that provides evapotranspiration data to help farmers and local authorities improve irrigation efficiency. Through these targeted initiatives, CUT strengthens public awareness and community capacity for sustainable and responsible water use, reinforcing its contribution to SDG 6.

2023

Scientific Publications related to SDG 6* = 49

*During the period 2019-2023

 

Citation impact_ SDG6*= 2.58

*Annual average during the period 2019-2023

 

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: European Union’s REKonstructed content in 3D
  • Acronym: EUreka3D
  • Funding framework: DIGITAL
  • Abstract: This program collaborates with UNESCO and Professor Ioannides hold the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Moreover, it takes into account and contributes to the gender equality, Climate action and life below water.
  • Title: Co-curating in the Phygital Museum and the creation of alternative narratives and transcultural “voices” towards developing inclusive and sustainable museums
  • Acronym: Erasmus+ ExhiBIT
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: The Erasmus+ Project Co-curating in the Phygital Museum emphasizes co-curatorship through “phygital” strategies, blending physical and digital experiences to foster broader visitor engagement in multicultural, post-pandemic museum spaces. Aligning with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the ExhiBIT project supports Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) professionals in enhancing digital skills and pedagogical approaches to promote social inclusivity. By advancing co-curatorship practices, it facilitates dialogue with underrepresented societal groups to collaboratively shape inclusive and participatory museum environments.
  • Title: Project for the Enhancement of School Counseling Services
  • Acronym: School4Health
  • Abstract: School Health Services (SHS) play a vital role in enhancing children’s health, but developing effective, evidence-based services that meet local needs poses challenges. In Cyprus, the Ministry of Health has collaborated with academia and various stakeholders to redesign SHS using a participatory action research approach. This process involved key departments from the Ministries of Health and Education, the State Health Services Organization, and organized parent associations. By identifying critical needs for SHS—such as improved organizational models and targeted interventions for obesity and mental health—this initiative fosters ongoing staff development and family engagement. It exemplifies how participatory research can create SHS that align with international standards and contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10.