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It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to attend the inauguration of the Natural Environment Information Centre (NEIC) in Trachypedoula, a community in Paphos District, which has an important and rich biodiversity.
The establishment of this centre, which was co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the Republic of Cyprus and the community of Trachyhopedoula, is an important step towards sound and integrated environmental management, sustainable and viable development.
This project is the culmination of the efforts and commitment of the residents of the community and the Community Authority to preserve and protect the natural heritage in their area and the environment in which they live.
It is for this reason that I would like to warmly congratulate you and stress that the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment will assist - within the framework of its competences and capabilities - in any efforts that contribute to the protection and conservation of the areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network of the Diarizo Valley, as well as the wider environment that constitutes an ideal habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna.
Dear all,
A long-standing objective of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is the protection and sustainable management of the environment, and by extension the natural wealth of Cyprus, through relevant programmes and projects.
We are confident that the Tourists' Information Centre for Natural Environment Elements (KEP), which we are inaugurating today in Trachypedoula, will play a key role in promoting the natural and cultural wealth of the region, in raising environmental awareness among citizens and in strengthening their action on environmental issues.
The aim of the Centre is not only limited to information, but also extends to taking action for the restoration and revitalization of ecosystems. This means restoring degraded natural ecosystems to a good and healthy condition and ensuring that these ecosystems maintain their long-term resilience in accordance with their natural processes. Restoration can be achieved both through specific actions and projects and through natural means, such as the control of activities, in order to restore ecosystems in a natural way.
For Europe and Cyprus, an important tool for the management and conservation of species and habitats, as well as for the achievement of global goals and commitments to protect the environment, is the Natura 2000 network. In Cyprus, over 60 sites with important habitats and species have been designated. The aim is both their conservation and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature with mutual benefits.
The Diarizo Valley is part of this important Network of sites and the role that communities like yours have to play in protecting this important treasure is particularly important, since you, the people who live here, are the ones who know best the needs of both the area and your own, as well as the ways of harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
The Diarizo Valley is part of this important Network of sites and the role that communities like yours have to play in protecting this important treasure is particularly important, since you, the people who live here, are the ones who know best the needs of both the area and your own, as well as the ways of harmonious coexistence of man and nature. The conservation of the area's defining species will bring a wide variety of benefits not only for the protection and conservation of biodiversity, but also for addressing the climate crisis, enhancing our adaptation to adverse environmental conditions that the planet faces in modern times.
The Diarizo Valley is home to important geomorphs, unique in the whole of Cyprus, since here one can see the entire geological history of Cyprus gathered together. One can also see rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, many of them endemic, as well as a significant number of habitats. The flora and fauna of the area, and in particular the endemic species, constitute a biological and aesthetic natural heritage of outstanding importance, which we must preserve. This means that many of the animals and plants found here are found nowhere else in the world. Typical examples are the endemic agrinos and the plant phloemis, the brachybrush, found in the area.
So, recognising the goods and services that the natural environment offers us, the Travellers' Information Centre aims to highlight the importance of keeping it in good and healthy condition.
Our commitment to preserving and protecting the environment for ourselves and for future generations is a given.
Our commitment to preserving and protecting the environment for ourselves and for future generations is a given. I would like to assure you that as a Ministry we stand by your side and are working to solve any problems that Trachypedouloulla is facing.
Dear all,
The steady development of the countryside, the improvement of the standard of living and quality of life of citizens, the investment in the quality of Cypriot agricultural products and the protection of the environment are priorities in President Christodoulides' programme of governance. In announcing the government's programme for this year, President Christodoulides announced the gradual implementation of the "Green Community", which contributes to accelerating Cyprus' adaptation to the provisions of the Green Agreement. At the same time, we are promoting actions and activities to inform and raise awareness on climate change and major environmental issues, in order to create better conditions and infrastructure, which will contribute to the progress of our countryside by enhancing the local development of our communities. It is for this reason that I am pleased to see that another project has been inaugurated today in the community, the Trachypedoulas Sports Centre.
Change in our lifestyles is necessary and helps to make the environment the most important consideration in any choices we make. We are all part of the solution. Individuals, organizations and businesses, organizations, local government authorities and government departments, we all need to take action and change habits to reduce the impact we collectively and individually cause to the environment.
In closing, addressing the President and members of the Trachypedoula Community Council, let me once again express my congratulations for your support and enthusiasm for the implementation of this project.
I hope that the Tourists' Information Centre will be embraced by visitors and residents of the area and that it will make a significant contribution to the protection of the environment and the promotion of the unique environmental and cultural value of the area.
Thank you.
(EFYs/EP/MS/EAθ)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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