Background Climate change has already impacted Cyprus, with levels of precipitation falling and the mean temperature increasing. The availability of water resources has fallen by 40% from the estimates made in 1970, while extreme climatic phenomena, especially droughts, are more frequent than before. These climate changes have had an adverse impact on several sectors of the island’s economy, social life and the environment. Unsustainable depletion of groundwater caused by uncontrolled water pumping has exacerbated the problem in many areas. Agriculture and food security are expected to be threatened, as the demand for water increases with the increase in temperatures. Growing dependence on air conditioning is likely to increase energy demand, with other potential impacts including an increase in migration to urban areas and increases in heat-related health conditions, including heat stroke and tropical vector-borne diseases, such as malaria. Objectives The CYPADAPT project’s main objective was the development of a National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Cyprus, with the aim of strengthening and increasing adaptive capacity. The project’s aim was to use modelling to provide insight into the likely future impacts of climate change, and to identify economic and social sectors of Cyprus that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. In particular, the project aimed to develop an innovative Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) tool to inform the development of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Results The CYPADAPT project increased Cyprus’ adaptive capacity to climate change impacts through the development of a National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change, with the use of modelling. Firstly, the project conducted a climate change impact and vulnerability assessment for Cyprus. Project beneficiaries reviewed existing EU and international climate change related policies and legislative frameworks, along with selected national climate change adaptation plans and measures relevant to Cyprus. This led to more than 790 adaptation measures applied worldwide being included in a database. CYPADAPT produced a technical description and evaluation of climate change simulation models to inform the selection of the most appropriate to develop for the project. A flexible and innovative Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) software tool was developed, for the selection of the most appropriate set of adaptation options for Cyprus. It was based on a database consisting of measures applied worldwide categorised by sector, and was uploaded to the project website. This specialised MCA tool was the first of its type to be used for the elaboration of an adaptation plan. After evaluation by stakeholders the MCA tool was enhanced, using their feedback to optimise its performance. The final MCA model generates alternative adaptation scenarios based on selected criteria and the system’s degree of vulnerability to climate change. The results produced by the tool include a statistical analysis for each climate adaptation measure and a real-time sensitivity analysis. The project organised workshops to present the MCA tool and to train potential users, while an operational manual and demonstration video were also prepared. Guidelines were developed for the use of the tool to support climate change adaptation plans. The MCA tool can readily be applied in other EU member states. The project team assessed Cyprus' vulnerability to potential climate change impacts and produced a report detailing them by sector, for example, natural resources, coastal zones, agriculture, forests, fisheries and aquaculture, public health, energy and infrastructure. The MCA tool therefore identified the economic and social sectors in Cyprus that are particularly vulnerable to climate change and assessed their adaptive capacity. The project drafted a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) based on this information, after an extensive consultation process with the relevant stakeholders. The NAP was revised after an open public consultation process (in late summer 2014, after the project ended) and now awaits official approved by the Cypriot government (Ministerial Council). The NAP comprises the adaptation measures prioritised by the MCA tool and provides suggestions for their integration into national sectoral policies, strategies, plans and legislative texts. Overall, approximately 250 measures addressing climate change impacts on eleven selected sectors in Cyprus are included in the NAP. CYPADAPT developed a monitoring strategy, with step-by-step guidelines, to quantify the success of each measure implemented. A monitoring team will be established to periodically assess the level of impact, adaptive capacity and vulnerability of Cyprus to climate change, to accompany the NAP. The project’s extensive dissemination activities included newsletters and articles, noticeboards, the project website (uest.ntua.gr/cypadapt), a workshop, presentations at scientific conferences, awareness-raising events in different Cypriot municipalities, and networking with 21 other projects. The project will contribute to the realisation of the objectives of the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP II) to promote adaptation. It also promotes the implementation of various sector-specific EU directives and policies, such as the Water Framework Directive. The implementation of the NAP and the suggested measures is expected to create employment opportunities due to an increase in business opportunities in the long-term. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).