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- Русский
It is with great pleasure that we are here today to announce the Holistic Water Management in the National Forest Park of the Pedagogical Academy.
I should note that the day and the period of the announcement was not chosen by chance. Today, June 1 is World Children's Day, and in a few 24 hours, on June 5, we celebrate World Environment Day.
As a mother and as an Environment Commissioner, my primary concern is to contribute in any way I can to raising my own child, our children, in a clean, healthy environment.
The upcoming World Environment Day is a special opportunity to focus our attention on the importance of environmental protection and the need for sustainable development. It is another reason for global mobilization, both to protect the environment and to highlight the importance of nature for the well-being and sustainability of our planet.
It is an opportunity to highlight our commitment to addressing the environmental challenges facing our planet and to recognize the urgent need for action and cooperation to protect our planet for future generations. From climate change and biodiversity loss, to air and water pollution, the environmental challenges are undoubtedly global and require joint and coordinated efforts.
The project we are announcing today brings to life an important green lung in the capital, which has been severely impacted by climate change, with massive tree drying recorded since 2018. This phenomenon is mainly due to the low rainfall in the area, which had subjected the trees to prolonged water stress, causing them to be depleted, secondarily attacked by insects and dried out.
The development of the Academy National Forest Park Action Plan in October 2018, aimed at protecting the Forest Park, provided for, among other things, the management of rainwater and recycled water to address drying. After communication with the Department's officials, we were informed that the Park's water management had been partially implemented in some parts of the Park with very positive results. Recording the positive effects this had on the growth rate and the vigour of the trees, we co-decided with the Forestry Department to practically implement holistic water management in the park.
With this initiative, our goal is to create the first model park of this size, in order to give practical impetus for the development of rational water management initiatives in other parks and green spaces.
I must note that we are very pleased that Mastercard, in collaboration with the Hellenic Bank, decided to donate the entire amount of the Priceless Planet Coalition programme to this cause, since this project achieves the reduction of gaps and the reduction of water stress on the trees in the Park.
It is also particularly important that in this synergy the possibility of utilizing the water from the Aglantzia Gymnasium's water tanks will be considered.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not personally thank the Director of the Forestry Department, Mr. Haralambos Alexandrou, as well as the Deputy Regional Forest Officer of Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta, Mr. Loizos Konstantinou, without whose contribution this project would not have taken shape.
Addressing the effects of climate change can only be achieved through synergies and the use of technology. This project that we are announcing today is the practical proof of our common will and effort to achieve this goal. Through this project, we are demonstrating in practice that we are moving from words to deeds and highlighting the park as a model for optimal water management, encouraging the efficient use and protection of water resources.
With these initiatives, the Environment Commissioner's Office seeks to promote sustainable development, the sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of the environment for future generations.
(PM/MB/SX)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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