Two studies by the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence were presented at the COMECAP 2025 conference.

Cyprus at the center of research for cleaner air

The Eratosthenes Center of Excellence presented critical results on air quality in Cyprus at the COMECAP 2025 international conference, providing scientific tools and data that support policy design for a cleaner environment. The results include:

(1) accuracy check of CAMS data (a Copernicus service that, through models, combines satellite and ground-based data to provide analyses and forecasts on air quality) in different regions and
(2) emission reduction scenarios with SHERPA, a European rapid policy research tool.

Summary

CAMS accuracy check by land use: Systematic comparison of European air quality data (CAMS) with ground-based measurements of the Department of Labour Inspectorate (DLI) for PM2.5, PM10 and O₃ throughout 2024, in industrial, urban (traffic and residential) and forest areas.

Cleaner air with SHERPA: Analysis of emission reduction scenarios (energy/industry and road transport) with SHERPA to estimate expected improvements in PM2.5, PM10 and NO₂ concentrations.

Main findings

CAMS and ground-based measurements: CAMS data showed strong agreement with DLI measurements for O₃ (very high correlation values ​​at Nicosia stations) and consistently good performance for PM2.5/PM10 at multiple locations.

Local specificities: Dust events and heavy traffic affect performance, highlighting the value of local validation and the combined use of sources and tools.

Simulation of two scenarios with the SHERPA tool

Scenario 1: 60% reduction in energy production and industrial combustion — significant PM2.5/PM10 reductions in the southern coastal zone, especially in the Mari-Zygi area.

Scenario 2: 20% reduction in road transport — significant NO₂ reduction along motorways and in densely built-up areas.

Practical value: The results guide low-cost, high-benefit interventions, useful for updating air quality plans and informing the public.

For Cyprus, the results of the studies have practical value and immediate application. Warning and planning: They offer the possibility of early information and better planning for incidents, such as dust or increased traffic, contributing to the prioritization of measures per area. Focus on practice: At the same time, they propose solutions with high environmental benefit in relation to cost, especially in areas near industrial facilities and along major highways. Scaling: Finally, they pave the way for further strengthening of actions, through the addition of local data to the SHERPA tool, the expansion of monitoring sensors and the collaboration with Municipalities for the implementation of pilot projects.

Link to access the papers:

(1) https://sciprofiles.com/publication/view/3674f0f042a0d2c7878f2425ee92bbde

(2) https://www.mdpi.com/3042-5743/35/1/63

Link to press release:

(1) Δύο μελέτες του «Ερατοσθένη» παρουσιάστηκαν στο συνέδριο «COMECAP 2025» – paideia-news.com