An EU-funded project has established an air-quality monitoring network in South Nicosia-Idalion Municipality and developed a web app offering three-day forecasts of particulate pollution, as Cyprus prepares for recurring desert dust episodes.
The CiROCCO project, implemented in Cyprus by the University of Cyprus, the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI) and the municipality, has installed five low-cost sensors and one higher-quality AQMesh monitoring station.
The sensors are spread across different locations, including a primary school, residential areas, an industrial facility, an agricultural community and a rural livestock-farming area. The AQMesh station is located at the Idalion Municipal Cultural Centre.
The network measures particulate matter and weather conditions and has already recorded at least three desert dust episodes, according to the project.
Cyprus is frequently affected by dust carried from North Africa and the Middle East. These episodes can significantly increase concentrations of fine particles, including PM10 and PM2.5, on top of pollution from traffic, industry and other local sources.
High particle concentrations are a particular concern for children, older people, those with respiratory or heart conditions and people who spend extended periods outdoors.
Web app provides 72-hour forecasts and alerts
The new CyEnvHub web app combines measurements from CiROCCO, the University of Cyprus and the DLI through interactive maps and charts.
It also provides 72-hour PM10 forecasts based on data from the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). Users can select an area to view the forecast for their location.
Registered users are intended to receive notifications when PM10 levels are forecast to exceed specified thresholds or when high concentrations are detected, allowing them to adjust their outdoor activities.
However, final checks on forecast accuracy, alert delivery and user testing are still under way.
“Timely air quality warnings can make a real difference in our residents’ daily lives,” said South Nicosia-Idalion Mayor Stavros Hatzigiannis.
Sensors do not replace official measurements
To evaluate the reliability of the low-cost sensors, the University of Cyprus installed one alongside a DLI monitoring station at Idalion 3rd Primary School. The official station uses a reference-equivalent measurement system.
The project stressed that data from its sensors are not intended to replace official air-quality measurements, but could complement them.
Chrysanthos Savvides, head of the DLI’s air-quality section, said Cyprus’ proximity to the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East “fosters the frequent occurrence of dust episodes in its atmosphere”.
He added that research such as CiROCCO supports efforts to provide the public, workers and vulnerable groups with accurate and timely information to protect themselves.
Petros Mouzourides, the University of Cyprus’ scientific lead for the Cyprus pilot, said combining monitoring, satellite observations and forecasting was laying the foundations for a sustainable early-warning service.
Monitoring network extended to Limassol district
The project has also installed two low-cost sensors and an AQMesh station in Amathounta Municipality, in the Limassol district. Commissioning and checks are continuing.
The long-term operation of these networks will depend on maintenance, reliable data transmission, quality assurance and agreement on which institutions will be responsible for them, according to the project.
A 2025 University of Cyprus study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, assessed 11 operational dust forecasting models, including CAMS, against ground-level measurements in the Eastern Mediterranean. The assessment also covered intense dust episodes in Cyprus.
South Nicosia-Idalion Municipality received the Green City of Cyprus 2025 award in the atmospheric air category for its dust-monitoring initiatives. The award was presented at the eighth Pancyprian Environmental Awards on 5 October.
CiROCCO is coordinated by the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) in Greece. Running from 1 March 2023 to 30 November 2026, it involves 12 organisations from seven countries.
The project has a total budget of €3,583,218.75, including €3,147,975 in EU funding. Its final event is scheduled to take place in Athens on 30 November.
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