Larnaka SWOT Analysis Demographic Insights

Demographic Characteristcs of Larnaka SWOT ANALYSIS By Elena Papageorgiou Architect, Local Team Expert, USUDS Larnaca

Growth Rates Weaknesses Strengths Opportunities New jobs Threats Higher increase of the districts's population (urban and rural area) in relation to the other provinces. Overconsumption of natural resources, eg water and formation of liquid and solid waste in excess Abandonment of the urban center with all its negative consequences (eg. quality of buildings, the urban center inhabited entirely by citizens of foreign countries) Trend of stagnation of productive ages in the urban area Trend of inhabiting rural settlements by people in the productive age Incresed crime Population weakening of urban shopping center by local residents Higher population growth in the rural area. Increased demands on infrastructure due to dispersed population Crowding due to residency of multiple users (students and foreign) in a single premise.

Social Profile Weaknesses Gradual loss of specific local (social) characteristics Strengths Opportunities Specialization of development criteria and integration of local features into new developments Integration of economic immigrants to strengthen the workforce Threats Local social specificities Globalization Strong links between expatriates and strong social bonds of mutual support Lack of mechanisms for public information and awareness raising Growing influx of economic migrants and incresing risk of social exclusion, as well as increasing needs of integration into the local economy and society Larnaka has the highest percentage of single persons

Age Profile Weaknesses Strengths Opportunities Implementation of co- financed programs which will trigger the holding in of the population and stimulate the local economy. (Incentives for new areas to create a primary residence) Threats Higher Life Expectancy Reversing of the Increasing rates of aging and growth trends in the non- economically active population population pyramid - Birth deficit and Trends in population aging Imbalance in the structure of the population. Population concentration, large age in the urban shopping center and the refugee settlements

Educational Profile and Workforce Weaknesses Educational level largely in secondary education in accordance to the national average Strengths Opportunities Exploiting new technologies for education and training tailored to local circumstances Improving skills and increasing the knowledge of human resources. Support for development of multi- activity of the local workforce. Threats Loss of scientific staff to other cities due to lack of opportunities. Existence of trained and skilled personnel especially in the following areas: trade, manufacturing, tourism and construction in which the Larnaka has a competitive advantage to the rest of the cities of Cyprus Low percentage of work force compared to other cities. Higher dependency ratio in relation to other cities. Fairly high unemployment rate Utilization of the working age population Job creation by focusing on: trade, manufacturing, tourism, and construction

Major Infrastructure of Larnaka SWOT ANALYSIS By Simos Nikolaou GIS & Mapping, Local Team Expert, USUDS Larnaca

Electrical Power Network, Power Stations (PS) (Vasiliko/Dhekelia) Strengths Weaknesses The power stations which are based in Larnaka District represent 80% of the total installed capacity Opportunities Larnaka is the most energetically "charged" city of Cyprus and could be established as a major energy partner of the Eastern Mediterranean Countries and Europe Prospect for Larnaka to become centre of basic and supporting services to energy infrastructure (power stations, natural gas exploitation) Synergies / partnerships with the wider Eastern Mediterranean area / energy bridge between the European Union, Middle East and NE Africa Supporting economic activities (procurement, technical operations, etc.) Threats Claims from other cities to take on this major role The bounding of the stations at the North and South border of the District ensures the development of the coastal front Strategically located stations / nearest points to Middle East and NE Africa The Vasiliko power station is adjacent to the space reserved for the upcoming natural gas facilities The main station of Vasiliko due to its location which is among other important infrastructure is restricted Hard infrastructure Damage in case of direct or indirect accidents / collateral effects Plantation of the surrounding area Environmental hazards from pollutants The Dhekelia power station is located inside the British base border /limited space for possible future expansion for both stations/close to residential and tourist area

Electrical Power Network, Power Stations (PS) (Vasiliko/Dhekelia) Strengths Weaknesses Accessibility Occupation of coastal area Opportunities Parallel synergies with the private sector (maritime and land transport, physical infrastructure) Threats Interventions in the sea (commitment of marine area) Large fuel tanks Underwater pipelines(fuel leaks/spillage) Sufficient load and providence for future large- scale deployments Comprehensive dependency on imported fuels Large fluctuations in load demand (winter / summer) Upgrade for use of alternative energy sources (natural gas) Synergies with private organizations to invest in the renewable energy sector in order to produce part of the additional energy needed during the summer period Increase efficiency / productivity Personnel training in new technologies The number of employees at both stations stands at 370 persons / qualified and experienced technical and scientific personnel / effective response to mechanical or system failures / Comparative advantage for Larnaca High operating costs

Electrical Power Network, Power Stations (PS) (Vasiliko/Dhekelia) Strengths Weaknesses Limited use fiber optics network Larnaca is a base for important infrastructure units / clients of the power producer organization population, mainly due to the existence of large infrastructure (desalination plants, airport, Vasilikos cement works, landfills) Compared to other European countries the prices per Kwh is high Opportunities Expanding of fiber optics network Investment attraction for new RES power plants with / Conditions for new jobs Threats Increased consumption in the city and province of Larnaca, in relation to the Prospect of using natural gas (interim solution) and medium term prospect of using own fuel sources / drastic price drop Restrictive factor for new developments

Electrical Power Network, Transmission and Distribution Network Strengths Weaknesses Complete network / microsystem thus fewer losses Reliable Losses of power lines (wear, dust, humidity) Opportunities Underground network where possible Threats A large percentage is placed above the ground Magnetic fields Maintenance / replacement / improvement cables / substations Move the transmission network in non-residential areas A large proportion of the transmission is placed in the rural areas of the District / a small percentage in residential areas Accessible to new developments and RES Fragmentation of regions and space occupancy / development constraints Isolated system / network from other nearby systems Attract new developments and RES

Electrical Power Network, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Strengths Weaknesses Major economic activity Opportunities Parallel economic support activities Attracting investors for new energy production plants from RES Involvement o the private sector / universities from Cyprus and abroad to invest in research programs / school establishments of the relevant scientific community based in Larnaka Use of other renewable energy sources such as wave power Enrichment in new jobs Threats Strengthening of position as the prime power generation District Research / innovation Employment

Communications, Network / Mobile / Internet Strengths Weaknesses Space consuming of above ground network and mobility restrictions Opportunities Gradual under grounding of the existing network Threats Magnetic fields Complete network Underground network in commercial city centre Installation of an underground network mainly in new developments Accessibility Fast installation process Reliable telephony system Universal mobile phone signal reception throughout the city Direct technical support / installation / repair of faults Continuous upgrading of services / new technologies

Communications, Wireless network / WiFi Weaknesses Free wireless Internet access in places like Athens Avenue, the Mackenzie beach, the airport and a variety of leisure centres on the waterfront and commercial centre Unable to connect vertically (at a height) / low internet speeds Strengths Opportunities Extension of free wireless network to other areas like main commercial roads and squares / comparative advantage / empowerment of mobility Threats Low internet speeds Erection of aerials at points so as to facilitate connections from a height and to maximize connection speeds Improve existing provision Weak signal reception

Communications, Fiber Optics Weaknesses Insufficient network Strengths Opportunities Replacing the existing network with fiber optics network / achievement of high speed internet connection /clear and uninterrupted communication / maximizing entrepreneurship /e- governance Threats

Water supply/Desalination, Resources/Water Tanks/Desalination Strengths Weaknesses Ability of the Larnaca Water Board (LWB) to provide 35% of total consumption in the Municipality of Larnaca from its own sources Provision of water supply in case of new developments Easy interface to the network Immediate response in case of damages/leakages Good water quality Opportunities Threats During drought, the ability of the LWB goes down to 2% During drought periods Larnaka becomes completely dependent on water supply from government sources Prospect for new developments During drought the non- continuous flow of water creates problems of deterioration of water quality Upgrading of the water quality Construction of new reservoirs(water tanks) Water from sources to pipe network systems flows by gravity (topography of the region)/less pumping stations

Water supply/Desalination, Desalination Strengths Weaknesses Both desalination works are located in Larnaka (Dhekelia/Larnaka airport) Increased production costs and pricing Interruption of coastal front of (Mackenzie/Meneou) Underwater pipeline / commitment of marine space Opportunities Research / innovation to improve production methods and water quality RES for power stations desalination Threats Moderate water quality Environmental Creation of brine in the sea area near the Mackenzie beach

Water supply/Desalination Consumption/Losses/Pipping /Establishments Strengths Weaknesses Losses of the overall water supply(27% in 2011) Opportunities Improvement/replacement of piping network, meters, leakage detector instruments/control of system pressure Threats Constant consumption. Decrease of losses percentage from 27% in 2011 to 25% in 2012 Seismic area(system instability/damages) Savings of water by civilians/successful LWB campaign Complete Piping Network Creation of a unified water management organization Low rate of new connections/increasing rate of zero reading water meters Old technology water meters Use of improved instruments to locate leakages Leakages Insufficient funding Uninterrupted supply Measures for restricted supply of water during droughts Existence of asbestos/iron pipes(large numbers) Replacement of piping in reconstructed streets/squares/neighbourho ods Programming/planning for old piping system Danger for public health

Sewerage System, Installations/sewerage system Strengths Weaknesses Topography use of pipes with large diameter and powerful pumping stations Incomplete system Opportunities Synergies with the surrounding communities for a sustainable support Threats The waterfront zone(phase A ) fully completed and fully functional Phase B will be completed in 2015(final phase) Incorporation of Dromolaxia, Meneou, Kiti, pervolia(phase B ) Implementation of European directive Improved quality of life Seismic area(system instability/damages/ saltwater intrusion Incorporation of new areas Insufficient funding Odour/nuisance during operation dust/traffic issues during construction works Use of chemicals Good management of waste water/tertiary treatment Extension and upgrading of the waste water treatment plant(from 46,000 to 100,000 population) Usage of treated water Use of RES to empower the system Discharge of treated water in the sea in cases of disposal issues Environmental issues

Storm water system, Installations/Storm water system Strengths Weaknesses Many and large pumping stations Opportunities Creation of a unified management body Threats The system maintenance and upgrading is performed by the Larnaka Sewerage and Drainage Board, the municipality of Larnaka and the Public Works Department Flooding Intrusion of other waste into the system Cooperation of the municipality of Larnaka with the surrounding municipalities and communities for a more sufficient storm water management Advance projects for a more effective system Construction of the network for the problematic areas of Prodromou and Sotiras by LSDB The mentioned areas face great problems during the raining season Insufficient funding

Port/Marina Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Attractiveness / safety Threats Natural Port Climate change / rising water level Famagusta port The easternmost port / gateway in Cyprus / Europe The location (in the middle of the coastal front of the city) probably reduces the prospects for increased trade directions Tourism / trade / transit trade The nearest in Middle East, Suez Canal Very close to the largest airport of the island Single location with Larnaka Marina International economic activities Development as a fly cruise port Configuration based on a single mutually expansion Synergies to increase turnover Development of specialized tourism Parallel national and local economic activities / supportive activities Antagonism in Cyprus and the region Accessible / close to other urban centers Connected with quite good and efficient road network Close to the large and important tourist area of Ayia Napa and Paralimni Gas terminal / fuel / power stations in the adjacent land and sea area Development of maritime and other activities in relation to other major infrastructure or work in the energy sector

Port/Marina Strengths Weaknesses Surrounded by residential areas Reduced possibilities for expansion / lack of space Small turning circle ships (300) / shallow (10-12m) / limited platforms - large expense improvement in the above Inadequate port equipment Opportunities Modulation scheme of the region port / marina Threats Designated 540,000 m in the heart of the city Saturation Gradual replacement program required equipment / buying services from private sector Development of new modern warehouses / logistics activities Synergies with the private sector / employment growth Limited storage space Employment

Airport Strengths Weaknesses The delineation of interrupts the seafront in an area with heavy recreational activity Adjacent to the salt lakes Airport zone/ growth restriction Nuisance (noise) Opportunities Road underground link these two sites (Mackenzie-tions) Threats Very close but not within the city Risk of accidents with far- reaching consequences Environmental hazards mainly in relation to the neighboring airport Larnaca Salt Lake The main entrance / exit to the island Uninterrupted interface with the national road network New project / modern / adequate / efficient Increasing use of the airport at an international / national / local level Poor equipment systems guiding aircraft in case of bad weather (mainly due to visibility) resulting in limited deployments tall buildings in the surrounding area Unused space (empty or occupied space with older construction) Small storage facilities Installing modern aircraft guidance systems in case of difficult weather conditions Area nearly 6 million m Development of turnover / extension of terminal Infrastructure development of transit trade Convert from airport to Aeropoli Limited to non-existent parallel and collateral economic activities Development of parallel economic activities / development of tourism and other supporting businesses Business development activities related to energy / natural gas Close to the energy infrastructure upcoming infrastructure pumping and liquefaction and trading of natural gas Employment Additional job opportunities

Fuel Terminal Strengths Weaknesses Fragmentation of the city and especially the coastal front Occupation of long coastal strip (3km long) Annihilation of any thought for tourism development Commitment large terrestrial and marine areas (tanks / pipes) Opportunities Relocation of the fuel terminal Threats The unique terminal fuel island (which lays the coastal front of the city, next to the port) Safety / environmental threat (accidents / spills at sea and ashore) / collateral damages All functional stocks of the island are stored in this space Part of state strategic reserves stored in the tanks of the former refinery Strong energy presence in the wider Middle East region Important economic activity Collateral economic activities Employment Annoyance / Pollution Tankers traffic to and from the city

Infrastructure of local significance, Transportation Strengths Weaknesses Few medium-sized vehicles Opportunities Fleet expansion in medium- sized buses Setting new lanes/formatting dividing lines/fight illegal parking Upgrade stopping points/ installation of electronic- interactive information panels Threats Large fleet Multiple routes Insufficient traffic lanes Fair condition of bus stations

Infrastructure of local significance, Industrial areas / Husbandry / Fisheries Weaknesses Large capacity of industrial areas/zones fragmentation of areas Strengths Opportunities repositioning and reassessment of units / capacity Exploitation of RES (biogas) Expansion and development dairy and meat production industries Upgrading through their modernization and their connection with local communities / parallel improvement of other economic activities Threats Near residential areas/ Numerous animal husbandry units Environmental burdens/ nuisance Several fishing shelters Difficult access/degraded

Infrastructure of local significance, Health Strengths Weaknesses The construction of the new governmental hospital building Opportunities Expansion and involvement of the private sector health service / incentives for specialized medical centres Employment Threats Old buildings / degraded equipment / few beds

Infrastructure of local significance, Education Strengths Weaknesses Several school buildings The location of the educational institutions in the city could be more decentralized Opportunities Construction of new modern buildings in new residential areas / conversion of some of the existing school institutions to specialized schools Formation of open spaces for greater use by students and citizens Expansion of the green areas Conversion to educational cultural centres Development of state universities in the fields of energy/RES Threats The school premises are in good condition The open spaces are underused Use and maintenance of old/listed buildings Presence of higher private institutions Absence of state universities

Environmental wealth and environmental factors of Larnaka SWOT ANALYSIS By Thomas Thompson Environmental Scientist, Local Team Expert, USUDS Larnaca

Topography, Climate, Climate change Strengths Weaknesses Larnaka Municipality has 12.7km of coastline Ecological value, heritage value and economic value is all based on the coastline of Larnaka Land uses are flexible. Walking and cycling is achieved easily because of topography. Opportunities Create sustainable coastline, fully accessible via green transport. New walking and cycling routes can be easily achieved because of topography Create a green brand of Larnaka where skilled workforce will want to live and work, and is attractive to visitors in a different way to other towns in Cyprus. Potential for the creation of new jobs in the renewable energy sector Upgrading of transport using low emission vehicles Create observatory for climate change monitoring in Cyprus and local area. Create Environmental research and educational establishments Implementation and development of Eco-tourism plan Ecologically sensitive farming, through water re- use, organic farming, native species, use of fertilzers etc. Lower heating bills Threats The coastline is interrupted by industrial installations which have been constructed next to the sea before urban growth of the City. The Coastline is vulnerable to coastal erosion and climate change Immediate economic needs encourage short term development thinking. Extremes in weather reduce quality of life for inhabitants and tourists. Tourists are attracted by the good weather (300 days of sunshine per year) June, July and August often have temperatures of over 40 degrees. Desertification Storm surges Urban flood risk Sea level rise Topography helps farming activities Threat to rural livelihoods such as farming become less viable. Crop water demand will increase and supply will fall. Increased demand for energy due to air conditioning load.

Natural Water Resources Weaknesses Groundwater recharge is not optimised Groundwater contamination is more likely due to depletion Urbanisation creates more impervious surfaces Quantity of water is declining - Low groundwater levels Strengths Opportunities Opportunities could be explored for sustainable drainage systems at point of use/reception as well as further down the stormwater system. Incorporate SUDS into existing projects (e.g Kamares river) Improved technology for quality of tertiary treated wastewater means that it could be used to recharge groundwater Solar powered desalination Threats Sewerage system prevents pollution of surface and groundwater. Stormwater control system prevents flooding. Sea flooding Coastal erosion Groundwater contamination Urban flooding Groundwater provides a resource for drinking water and irrigation. Desalinated water provides drinking water taking pressure off boreholes. Currently the high energy demand is primarily met through electricity from fossil fuels. Over-reliance on desalinated water could undermine the need to preserve natural water bodies.

Biodiversity Weaknesses Big area inevitably is under pressure of encroachment from other developments both residential and industrial. Strengths Opportunities Threats Salt Lakes are a big area of natural wealth Natura zone is accessible due to topography and close proximity to the urban centre of Larnaka Many designations for conservation indicates the importance of the area Infrastructure needs continue to be met through the natura zone. Uses of the area are not clearly defined in terms of amenity, conservation and education. Create performance Indicators for biodiversity targets for continual improvement, transparency and achievement of green brand for Larnaka. Species lists need to be continually updated and communicated e.g. new environmental education centre. Creation of a botanical gardens, charitable foundation, visitors centre, garden centre, upmarket caf s etc Carbon ofsetting program to Water balance of area may be threatened without adequate measures for protection. Tertiary treated water storage ponds attract birdlife. Attracts visitors both nationally and internationally. Airport divides the natural state of the salt lakes. The salt lakes are located close to the urban centre of Larnaka making them more vulnerable to man made acrivities. Ecosystem vulnerable to climate change Ecotourism opportunities could be more fully embraced in the surrounding areas. Certain areas could be targeted to benefit from growth of eco-tourism. Pressure to create tourist developments quickly and cheaply may not complement biodiversity and ecotourism.

Air Quality Weaknesses Sahara dust is difficult manage as it is transboundary. Strengths Opportunities Create performance Indicators for air quality targets for continual improvement, transparency and achievement of a green brand for Larnaka. Combine work of DLI with municipal targets Further improve communication of particulate monitoring to Larnaka residents and visitors. Create well ventilated, low-traffic, vegetated areas. Renewable energy sources to be implemented across all procurement projects and municipal buildings Hybrid Vehicles enable the full transition to electric vehicles Threats Monitoring Programs in place from the department of Labour inspection Poor quality of life in Larnaka through dusty, hot and traffic congested areas. Human health suffering through increased mortality and health risks to vulnerable groups. Poor use of data High quality communication tool through the website of DLI. Historical inventory available through SMAP project. Sahara dust has a very high impact on particulate level. All sources of particulates are not easily identifiable.

Waste Management Weaknesses High production of municipal waste Low level of recycling at source Currently limited uses for composted material. Cost of disposal is high due to overeliance of expensive MBT plant. Strengths Opportunities Create zero waste Larnaka Recycling businesses to use waste as a resource. Energy from waste opportunities. Threats MBT plant has reduced the Landfill burden. Modern sanitary landfill disposal Recycling at source has become established across Larnaka and Cyprus. MBT plants are used as a reason for poor recycling at source performance. Recycling businesses may not be optimised. Uncontrolled disposal areas are a threat to land contamination, surface and groundwater contamination as well as environmental risk and climate change emission liability from landfill gas.

Socio-economic data of Larnaka SWOT ANALYSIS By Dr. Constantinos Charalambous Economist, Department of research and Development Director, PA College

GDP, Production Weaknesses The areas of government agencies, real estate and financial services accounted for 31% of GDP. Only 6% of these companies are located in Larnaca Strengths Opportunities Threats A fairly significant percentage of companies are located in Larnaca in the areas of retail, manufacturing, transport and construction The GDP is expected to reduce for the years 2013, 2014 according to surveys carried out by PIMCO Significant increase in the number of companies in the construction sector in Larnaca. This sector accounts for 9% of GDP. The construction sector may result in future benefits with the right investment. Investment loss can lead to a reduction of the competitive advantage of Larnaca in all sectors.

Work Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Larnaca is the third largest employer from the cities of Cyprus Larnaca is showing an increase in work in 8 areas while nationwide the work increase is shown only in 4 areas Reduction in unemployment in important areas such as manufacturing compared to national rates Increase in employment in the construction sector that was recognized as the export sector Demand for health services by foreign investors in the Larnaca District Reduction in work in the areas of real estate and administration The financial sector may develop with the restructuring of the sector

Trade, Construction, Manufacture Weaknesses These areas were identified as export areas from the location quotient model pharmaceutical products which are exported abroad Strengths Opportunities The mining sector is the second largest export sector abroad. With the right strategy, Larnaca can derive income from this sector Threats Lack of production in the manufacture of chemical and

Tourism Strengths Weaknesses Larnaca is the fifth option for tourists after Pafos, Paralimni, Ayia Napa and Limassol. Opportunities Cooperation with tour operators can lead to an increase in the number of visitors to Larnaca. Increased demand for tourist apartments A class. Threats The percentage of tourists who visit Larnaca has increased in recent years. Tourist investment in other cities of Cyprus can lead to a decrease in visitors to the city. Larnaca boasts the highest percentage of Deluxe apartments. Larnaca has 46% of traditional tourist apartments nationwide. Absence of 3 and 5- star hotels. Larnaca has a low occupancy rate in tourist accommodations. The privatization of Cyprus Airways will have impacts to the tourism industry in Larnaca. The development of the Port and Marina will lead to an increase in the number of tourists in Larnaca.

Athletic Tourism Weaknesses Strengths Opportunities Threats Larnaca hosts 25% of sports visitors Most sports visitors to Larnaca are involved in Triathlon and cycling Larnaca does not attract golfing tourism European participations of football teams based in Larnaca will lead to an increase of sports tourism Opportunity for differentiation in sports tourism The move of the petroleum storage facilities gives the opportunity for the development of an important area in the beach front

Export Base Analysis Weaknesses The EBA recognizes 11 import sectors for Larnaca Strengths Opportunities The EBA recognizes 4 import sectors that can be converted easily to export sectors Threats The EBA recognizes 10 export sectors for Larnaca The EBA identifies the sectors of construction, real estate and retail trade as export sectors that can easily be converted into import sectors Many jobs are created due to the export sectors The education sector has been recognized as an import sector. This sector has a large work multiplier. Job creation in other sectors through the work multiplier.

Shift and Share Analysis Weaknesses Strengths Opportunities Threats All sectors developed in Larnaca between 2009-2010 12 sectors gain a comparative advantage 9 sectors lose a competitive advantage. Some of these are export sectors Larnaca has a comparative advantage in manufacturing, trade, transport and construction Mining, electricity generation and real estate have a reduced comparative advantage

Urban design and urban planning parameters of Larnaka SWOT ANALYSIS By Constantina Constantinidou Architect, Local Team Leader / Coordinator, USUDS Larnaca

Geographical Position Weaknesses Non-centralized position at EU level Strengths Opportunities Exploiting geographical position in various industries, trade, tourism, logistics etc. Threats Centralized position in Cyprus The easternmost city - gateway of EU Coastal town Will be less centralized after a possible solution to the Cyprus problem.

Development institutional framework Town planning and land development control system Weaknesses Non-flexible / rigid institutional framework lengthy revisions and updating based on horizontal regulations without local character The Local Plans prepared by the Central Government rather than municipalities Strengths Opportunities Develop and implement a Strategic Development Plan of the city that will be reviewed and monitored at regular intervals Threats In Cyprus, the urban audit is carried out on many levels (Minister of Interior, Director of Planning, City Council, Council Study Deviations) Politicized planning takes place without technocratic understanding with the possible transfer of powers from central government to the municipalities More delays Careful transfer of powers drawing from experience from Europe Ineffective public participation Encourage citizen participation to improve participatory planning The Publication of a new legislation that is compatible with EU standards Absorption of financing from European funds for creation of a regional development plan Existence of legislation (the Town and Country Planning Act and the Roads and Buildings Law) Lack of an Island Plan Lack of integrated regional planning and lack of adoption of a polycentric spatial policy Reduced coordination and inadequate timing of various actors (e.g. ministries, services) that lead to complex and lengthy permitting procedures There are no tools for documenting the law (e.g. traffic impact studies) More delays

Development institutional framework administrative structure Strengths Weaknesses Existence of legislation and the support of the local governance in the field of development policy Larnaka, Aradippou, Athienou Lefkara Levadia, Dromolaxia- Meneou) Weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the Cyprus Local Government Failure to exercise regional convergence policies Opportunities Promote the restructuring of the Cypriot local government with associations of municipalities Threats Administrative fragmentation of the Larnaka District (Municipality of Leveling out of the various physiognomic characteristics of the various regions Create metropolitan municipalities with economies of scale Networking with other urban centers for resource utilization

Planning Zones Weaknesses The majority of some areas are fully developed (industrial, tourism) Strengths Opportunities Possibility of defining new socio- economic or urban areas (e.g. Zones for Special Financial Assistance, Social Factor Zone) Threats Relaxation of laws for development in some areas due to lack of space (within the tourist areas apart from hotel or tourist developments, the use of residential housing for tourism is allowed)

Land Use Strengths Weaknesses Enormous pressures and appeals to the Supreme Court by the land owners Opportunities Setting incentives / measures for the removal of incompatible uses Threats The is a defined land use map for Larnaka as part of the Local Plan Costly removal of some uses (e.g. high cost of the decontamination of the fuel terminal in Dhekelia) Absence of action with regards enclosed plots Ability of implementing urban consolidation

Natural and Urban characteristics Strengths Weaknesses Geographical location, Mediterranean climate, landscape, long seafront, level terrain, interesting hinterland, natural harbour, rich natural environment Fragmentation of the urban fabric by technical barriers (e.g. industrial zones, the fuel storage facilities, airport, port) Quick & fragmented interventions Opportunities Utilization of the geographical location, the seafront, topography, the microclimate and the water bodies Threats Climate change (erosion of seafront, floods, rising sea levels) Water bodies within the Larnaka District all flow into the sea within the district which is the lowest level for runoff Correction of urban fabric with compact developments Exploitation of land development for plots owned by the Government, the Church and the Municipality Creating a distinctive identity of the city (city branding) Lack of large vacant plots Lack of good quality built environment Limitations on growth due to the ownership status of land plots

Network / Transport Weaknesses Low utilization of port facilities particularly with access to international markets and the development of maritime transport Poor design that is exacerbating the traffic problem (e.g. Difficulty with pedestrian and bicycle movements, low number of parking spaces in the center of Larnaka, low use of public transport) Strengths Opportunities Upgrading of port infrastructure with the objective being the increase of the level of service of trade and tourism (fly and cruise) Increased accessibility for people with disabilities Combined multimodal transport The design and construction of a pedestrian and cycle network Measures of traffic management and additional provision of parking spaces Involvement of local government in the decisions and solutions for the upgrading of public transport Implementation of new technologies Harnessing renewable energy sources and local funds Threats Excellent international accessibility via networks and the ability of combined modes of transport (maritime, air) Effect of climate change on maritime transport Large municipal costs for conversion of existing road network into a viable / sustainable road network Satisfactory and comprehensive road network within the city Absence of local government decisions during the upgrading of public transport Effort has been made to upgrade public transport

Economic activities Weaknesses Incompatible uses in residential zones Strengths Opportunities Attracting local and foreign investment to modernize existing developments and create new (development of Port, Marina and large land plots, relocation of petroleum storage facilities, re-use of old airport) Development of specific sectors in which the city has a comparative advantage Threats Large key infrastructures (airport, port, marina, petroleum storage facilities) and designated spatial policy (free trade zone, industrial areas) Inability to attract foreign investment, due to the current economic situation and the prevailing culture Multitude of options for siting economic activities An increase of economic activities and infrastructure based in Larnaka has not been achieved The port and marina not used to their full abilities and require upgrading Competitiveness of large infrastructures (airport, port, marina) Long length of seafront for recreation and tourism Insufficient resources and difficulty in ensuring the necessary EU and national resources to finance projects Public-private partnerships or integration of the city into an international collaborative network for utilization of community resources Strengthening the identity of the industrial sector Unorganized industrial zones with a problematic location and lack of complementary infrastructure Most tourist areas are sited in the coastal strip with insufficient tourist accommodation and shortage of land plots for development Capacities for attracting alternative forms of tourism (conference, gastronomy, sports, educational, medical, eco- tourism etc.)