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First of all, I would like to congratulate the University of Cyprus for organizing this first public action of the Interdisciplinary Committee on Environmental Issues, which aims at open dialogue, reflection and critical discussion on environmental policy implementation issues.
The wide range of topics of the Conference, which approaches the socio-political dimension of environmental issues, as well as highlighting topical issues such as environmental justice, education and know-how, green transition, sustainable mobility, sustainable development, etc, stresses that, in a modern country, constructive dialogue, cooperation and synergies between different partners, such as central government, parliament, local government, the academic and research community, businesses and civil society, are the foundation for sound policies with a substantial impact on society for the benefit of the country, but also for the purposes of adaptation and tackling the climate crisis. We are facing the greatest challenge facing humanity, which is not only a natural disaster but also a direct threat to human life and survival itself. Irresponsible human activities, over-consumption and inaction on environmental issues make it imperative to change our lifestyles, policies and practices.
A holistic approach to the problem is required. We need to focus on building resilient infrastructure in urban and rural areas, protecting and managing biodiversity. In addition, we need to implement environmentally sustainable practices in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, tourism and waste management.
The European Union has set ambitious climate neutrality targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to become climate neutral by 2050. After 2050, the EU will aim to achieve a negative emissions balance.
A key objective of both Cyprus and a priority in the Governance Programme is to develop actions and plans for the green transition, such as, inter alia, the implementation of appropriate grant schemes and other adjustments to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy use and storage solutions, the promotion of the circular economy, the promotion of electromobility, the introduction of measures in land use planning for carbon capture and storage, etc, in order to accelerate compliance with the relevant EU Directives, and build bridges for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
The Office of the Environment Commissioner, aware of how vulnerable Cyprus is to climate change, has prioritised and initiated actions through synergies to assist community clusters at pilot level to become climate neutral and green clusters.
Last Saturday (1/6/24), as part of the celebrations for World Environment Day on 5/6/24, a workshop was held in Kato Pyrgos organized by my Office in collaboration with the Tilliria Community Cluster on "Climate Neutral and Green Tilliria", with very important contributions and presentations and with the participation of a delegation from the Municipality of Tilos, an island that has managed in a short period of time to become the first island in the world with zero waste and almost energy self-sufficient with the introduction of renewable energy sources. The findings and conclusions that have emerged from the workshop will be used in our next actions so that actions can be taken immediately, which will contribute to the goal towards climate neutrality. At the same time, the development of a national climate neutrality standard and/or guide has been launched, which the Office of the Commissioner has undertaken to coordinate in cooperation with the Cyprus Standards Organisation.
Furthermore, my Office has undertaken to support the process of inclusion of the Diarizo and Xeropotamos Valley Villages Complex in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Network. The process of inclusion of the region in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Network requires appropriate planning, action and implementation of projects, which are part of an environmentally and socially sustainable development.
To launch this initiative, a workshop entitled "From Local to Global Conservation: Inclusion of Community Clusters in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves" in collaboration and with the participation of representatives of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve (Region of Crete) and Parnonas.
I believe that the findings of today's workshop will also be very useful in our efforts.
Thank you for your attention and I wish you every success in the work of the Conference.
(ASP)
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