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It is with great pleasure that I am attending today's Environmental Awards event organised by the Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Co-operation, on the occasion of World Environment Day. This day reminds us that the future of our children is directly linked to the future of the planet's ecosystems. Environmental awareness and the objectives pursued by World Environment Day are essential factors in ensuring that the environment remains at the top of society's priorities and that we ensure its sustainability for the benefit of all. Change in our lifestyles is necessary and remains as an imperative.
This month's World Environment Day theme is plastic pollution. Marine litter, especially plastic pollution, threatens the oceans, marine animals and even human health. Addressing the issue of marine litter is of particular importance for Cyprus while the significant environmental impact of litter on economic activities such as tourism and fishing, on which Cyprus is directly dependent, makes the issue an immediate priority for the state.
At the national level, well-designed and functioning waste management systems and the development of effective separate collection systems can contribute significantly to the prevention of marine pollution.
In addition, the effectiveness of marine litter management systems and the development of effective separate collection systems can contribute significantly to the prevention of marine pollution. The Government's main objective is a gradual transition to a circular economy based on the European targets of increasing the preparation for reuse and recycling of municipal waste to 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035, and reducing the quantities going to landfill to 10%.
In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is promoting important measures for the rational management of waste, as well as increasing recycling and reuse rates. We are rapidly entering a new era, with the aim of creating adequate infrastructure and establishing effective procedures for the rational management of waste.
Through the Municipal Waste Management Plan 2022-2028, important projects are being implemented to promote source separation and separate collection of recyclable and organic waste.
Through the Municipal Waste Management Plan 2022-2028, important projects are being implemented to promote source separation and separate collection of recyclable and organic waste. These include projects under the Structural Funds such as the support programme for the implementation of source sorting and separate collection systems for municipal solid waste, through the promotion of "Pay as I Throw" in municipalities and communities, with a total budget of €25 million. In parallel, complementary projects are being promoted, such as the programme for the prevention, separate collection and recovery of municipal waste in mountainous and semi-mountainous Cyprus and the programme for the reduction of municipal solid waste from seaside hotels and other mass waste generating sites.
In addition, programmes are being implemented under the Recovery and Resilience Fund, such as the construction of repair and reuse centres and the creation of green recycling baskets, household composting of organic waste, the expansion of the green points network and, finally, the creation of a coordinating body between the Government and Local Authorities for waste management.
Of particular importance is also climate change, which is a pressing global problem that requires coordinated efforts to mitigate its adverse effects. At the heart of these efforts are the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, which serve as benchmarks for combating climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
By setting ambitious and achievable greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, many countries around the world, including Cyprus, recognise the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy sources to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental sustainability. In this context, Cyprus has developed the National Energy and Climate Plan. Through the Plan, quantified and costed energy and climate targets are set for 2030, which will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 emissions.
Our Ministry's vision is to continuously strengthen the momentum for proactive environmental protection by all available means so that the development path of our society integrates environmental parameters in an effort to become truly sustainable and efficient in terms of resource management.
Our Ministry's vision is to continuously strengthen the momentum for proactive environmental protection by all available means so that the development path of our society integrates environmental parameters in an effort to become truly sustainable and efficient in terms of resource management.
Through environmental actions, the quality of life is improved and green jobs are created in the context of the green economy and development. The involvement and engagement of citizens, businesses and especially young people can lead society to understand the complex functional nature of ecosystems, which is the result of the interaction of the biological, physical, social, economic and cultural factors that define them, as well as the added value they provide.[/P]These actions are supported and led by individuals and groups of citizens who, with their insight, have realised the need to strengthen environmental They have actively contributed in various fields, such as journalism, architecture, education, voluntary social action, the introduction and promotion of new technologies and applications aimed at protecting the environment. We honour these individuals and groups today for their significant contribution to the environmental events of our country.
Congratulations to all of them!
Thank you.
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