Engaging with stakeholders in hydrocarbons activities – the case of Vasilikos Energy Center in Cyprus

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Worker and general population health risks associated with industrial activities surrounded by residential communities have always attracted attention. This study is focused on the engagement of the stakeholders associated with hydrocarbons activities in the main energy hub of Cyprus. The main objectives of this study were to: i) assess stakeholders’ understanding, acceptance and (future) application(s) of exposome-based technologies and ii) evaluate their perceptions on environmental, safety and health risks related to hydrocarbons activities. METHODS: A baseline assessment was developed for the Vasilikos energy center (VEC), a coastal heavy oil/gas industry zone in Cyprus. Six major groups of stakeholders and the representatives from each group were identified: local authorities, medium industries (including multi-national hydrocarbons companies), small-medium enterprises (SMEs), academia/professional associations, government and the general public residing in the communities surrounding the VEC. Semi-structured interviews (n=23), questionnaires (n=309), meetings (n=4) and workshops (n=2) were conducted with the stakeholders. Results from the interviews were processed through a thematic analysis, and results from the population survey (public) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS:Almost all stakeholders expressed the immediate need for the setup of an environment and health surveillance system for the VEC and its surrounding residential communities, including the need for systematic measurements of gaseous pollutant emissions int he area. Stricter policies by the government about licensing and monitoring of hydrocarbon activities and more frequent communication with the public and the mass media emerged, both as important needs. Finally, the usage of exposome concept has not been practiced by the industry/SMEs, but particularly the small-medium industries showed willingness to use it in the future, upon proper testing/evaluation of its utility. CONCLUSIONS:It is warranted that the continuous and active collaboration among all involved stakeholders of the VEC and the surrounding populations would ensure the sustainable development of natural gas and oil activities in the Mediterranean region. KEYWORDS: hydrocarbons, perceptions, environment, public health, stakeholders, exposome