The Municipality of Aglantzia and the Community of Agios Theodoros Pitsilia were named the green capitals of Cyprus, receiving the honorary distinction of the Golden Green during the awarding of the Green Cities and Communities Awards of Cyprus and the Environmental Awards for Organizations and Businesses.
< p>The awards were organized by the Cyprus Center for Environmental Research and Education (CYCPEE) of the Holy Diocese of Limassol with the support of the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and other agencies.
The Municipality of Limassol, the Municipality of Ypsona, the Municipality of Aglantzia, the Municipality of Athianou, the Municipality of Engomi, the Municipality of Latsion, the Municipality of Deryneia, the Municipality of Strovolos, the Municipality of Livadia, the Municipality of Lakatamia, the Municipality of Ayia Napa, were honored with the green flag. the Municipality of Larnaca, the Community of Agios Theodoros, the Community of Agios Theodoros Pitsillias, the Community of Pissouri and the Community of Louvara. The Community of Denia received an honorary distinction for its overall environmental action. Environmental awards were also given to organizations and businesses.
In his speech at the awards ceremony, the President of the Republic, Nikos Anastasiadis, stated that in order to immediately address the environmental challenges, the state prioritized the formation and adoption of a coherent and holistic policy.
Focus of this policy , he added, the protection of biodiversity, the reduction of the effects of pollution on public health and ecosystems, the rational management of our natural resources and the mitigation of the effects of climate change.
He indicated that the Government has already included “clean green energy” in its energy balance, promoting at the same time the “green economy” and sustainable entrepreneurship.
It has also completed and is implementing the National Adaptation Strategy on Climate Change and the National Action Plan for Climate and Energy, through which they are expected to achieve the relevant goals set by the European Union for Cyprus.
He added that he is also implementing the Strategy for Biodiversity and for Education for Sustainable Development and seeks to use, in the best possible way, European financial tools to promote projects for the sustainability of cities, the promotion of sustainable mobility, the protection of the seas and coasts.
“Beyond the intensification of its actions at the local level, Cyprus is actively participating in the constructive and leading role that the European Union has taken on in dealing with international environmental and energy issues,” said the President.
He noted indicatively the initiative of Cyprus for the Mediterranean Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development, which was adopted in 2016 in Nicosia, by all Mediterranean countries in Cyprus, which is successfully implemented under the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. “And this is very important for our small country,” he said.
He also pointed out the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus at the United Nations for Education for Sustainable Development, an element of recognition of the active role that Cyprus plays in the relevant issues.
“The initiative we have undertaken is also particularly important for the coordination of the States of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East to deal with the consequences of climate change in our region”, he added.
He also congratulated the local Authorities, organizations and businesses that took part in the Awards, citing their own environmental policies and projects being recognized as of the utmost importance for joint planning in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development.
< p>In her own greeting, Environment Commissioner Clelia Vassiliou said that the state now has budgets for the environment. The Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan has included several investments and reforms that will be supported by grants amounting to one billion. He added that 41% of the plan will support climate goals and 23% will promote the digital transition. The total of resources from all the funds earmarked for the Green Transition, he said, is 2.4 billion with 1.9 billion exclusively for climate actions.
He also thanked the President , who activated every mechanism of Green Diplomacy and undertook the Climate Change Initiative.
“We now have all the tools at our disposal to create the conditions of our adaptation with Nature and it is up to all of us, each one us collectively and individually to measure our rights but also our obligations so that we as humanity can hope for better days”, he said.
He added that as an evaluation committee they had a lot of difficulty in grading the projects, he sincerely congratulated each each and every one who participates in this celebration but also becomes an example as a best practice for others to follow.
