It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to attend this festive event organised by the Independent Environmental Organisation "Green Shield" through the YOU REFOREST CYPRUS project.
Today's event, which has become an institution in the environmental events of the country, is held in cooperation with the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Youth Council, the initiative of the Democratic Rally 1000000 trees all over Cyprus, the Association Embrace with Love, Elpida Zois, as well as with various institutions and organisations.
This is a remarkable social initiative, which has been established in the consciousness of the citizens of our country, as an important means of recognition, rewarding and highlighting individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, which through systematic and organized efforts contribute daily to the protection of the environment and the improvement of our quality of life based on the principles of sustainability.
Through this event, we have the opportunity to review the environmental situation in our country. A review of what has been achieved and what remains to be done and what challenges remain. It is also an important moment for reflection on our role and our responsibility in defending the environment, but above all in ensuring the right of all of us to live productively and creatively in a world based on the principles of ecological integrity and social solidarity. A world governed by the values of respect, equality, democracy, equity and justice, which can ensure the social, cultural, ecological and economic sustainability of a place, a state and our planet as a whole.
The independent environmental information movement Green Shield, but also all of you as ordinary, responsible and active citizens with your actions, initiatives and daily attitude to life, emphasise the need to cultivate environmental awareness in each individual citizen. This need is also embraced by the Government, which has designed and implemented specific policies, laws and regulations, which set as their main objective the protection of the environment and the adoption of the principles of sustainability.
Environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable practices have been placed among the main objectives of the Government, as well as of the entire European Family, since the predictions of the effects of global climate change and the need to take immediate and effective measures are a common assumption.
Environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable practices are among the main objectives of the Government, as well as of the entire European Family, since the predictions of the effects of global climate change and the need to take immediate and effective measures are a common assumption. At the opening of the Conference, the President of the Republic pointed out, among other things, that the large participation of representatives of Governments and distinguished scientists of international standing, demonstrates the collective determination to tackle the consequences of Climate Change.
In this context, it was acknowledged by all that our region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change, which is why the initiative of the President of the Republic himself for the creation of a Regional It is worth mentioning that 13 teams with the participation of 240 scientists from the region and international organisations have been working on this Action Plan over the last two years.
As far as Cyprus is concerned, the Action Plan promotes measures to reduce greenhouse emissions, to establish mechanisms for more resilient and competitive economies through renewable energy sources, to provide incentives to businesses and industries to adapt to sustainable and green technologies and to create jobs in the sectors of renewable energy and energy efficiency. It is undoubtedly noteworthy that more than €500 million, or 41% of the budget of the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Cyprus for the years 2021-2026, is dedicated to investments and reforms that contribute to the green transition.
In addition, at the national level, the Government adopted, among others, the National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change to make Cyprus more resilient by developing initiatives in the areas of agriculture, tourism, water, marine, biodiversity, forests, fisheries, health and energy.
Briefly, I would also like to mention the creation of the Green Fund, the Biodiversity Strategy, the protection and conservation of Natura 2000 sites and all forest areas, as well as the Environmental Education and Information Centres, which contribute to the cultivation and strengthening of environmental awareness among the wider population, especially children.
This fact is confirmed by the participation in the event of various schools, whose students have been and are currently being awarded for their talent and environmental awareness in competitions organised by the Green Shield.
Today's awards send very encouraging and optimistic messages, since the honorees are mainly young and active people who, through their innovative ideas, demonstrate sincere interest, concern and resistance to the ecological destruction of our planet, while proposing environmentally friendly approaches. To all these children, their teachers and their schools, I offer my warmest congratulations!
In conclusion, I would also like to congratulate the Independent Environmental Organization Green Shield and its partner organizations, because despite the difficulties and constraints imposed by the global pandemic, they organize every year with consistency and dedication this beautiful ceremony, remaining assertive, active and helpful to all our efforts for a better environment, for a better world!
On the occasion of the holidays, I wish the coming of the Lord to bring peace, love and peace to every person, in every home.
Merry Christmas, with the wish that the New Year will find us wiser and bring an end to the pandemic.
(PM/EX)
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