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When my Office started publicizing the holding of today's workshop on the topic of Tilliria, the main questions were "why climate neutrality" and "why Tilliria". The answer to why "climate neutrality" is because this is the EU's main objective in addressing the climate crisis. Why in 'Tellyria' is because the consequences of the climate crisis affect the whole of Cyprus and because the actions to be taken need to be planned and implemented gradually everywhere. We start from Tilliria, which has additional difficulties and peculiarities because it is remote, marginal and adjacent to the occupied areas. In addition to the above, Tilliria also has land and sea areas that need to be managed. That is why we have with us representatives from Tilos, which, apart from the subject matter, has a lot in common with Tilliria, being an outlying island with approximately the same population size.
Today's Workshop is held on the occasion of World Environment Day, which is on 5 June, and for us there is no better way to commemorate this day than to be actively involved, and committed, in protecting the environment, resources, promoting sustainable development and the well-being of all citizens. I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Tilliria Community Cluster and all those present for your practical interest and commitment. I also welcome and warmly thank the participants from Greece who will share with us the experience of transforming Tilos into the world's first zero waste island.
Tilliria, with its rich history, natural beauty and landscape, has experienced the challenges of the special circumstances created as a result of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation. These challenges make the need for targeted actions and concerted efforts for its promotion and revitalization even more urgent.
The creation of climate-neutral and green communities is at the heart of my Office's Strategy and is among the priorities of President Nicos Christodoulides, who has already expressed the Government's full support in this direction.
The creation of climate-neutral and green communities is at the heart of my Office's Strategy and is among the priorities of President Nicos Christodoulides, who has already expressed the Government's full support in this direction. During his meeting with the Presidents of the Community Councils of Tilliria, he stressed the importance he attaches to finding solutions and mitigating the problems facing the region. The establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee last June is a clear signal of the Government's determination to promote targeted measures and policy actions aimed at halting depopulation and sustainable development of the region.
Since taking up my duties as Environment Commissioner some 5 months ago and following a request from the Tilliria Community Cluster, I have personally undertaken to support efforts to create and implement an Action Plan resulting from the Inter-Ministerial Committee, thereby reinforcing the Government's commitments.
The goal of "climate neutrality" means having a zero emissions balance, meaning that the total production of greenhouse gas emissions equals their absorption. In other words, as much greenhouse gas is emitted, an equal amount is absorbed or removed in a given period. Zero emissions is not a realistic target, but the lower the emissions, the easier it is to ensure that any amount produced is fully offset.
It is important to note that climate change is mainly due to anthropogenic factors and the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, fluorinated gases, water vapour, particulate matter, etc.).etc.), resulting from energy production and use, transport, the construction sector, domestic heating, industrial activity, agriculture, animal husbandry, deforestation, among others.
Although most actions to achieve climate neutrality are targeted at the energy, transport and waste management sectors, reducing emissions requires a multi-dimensional approach that includes not only the use of renewable energy sources, the energy efficiency of buildings, the use of sustainable transport and the efficient management of waste generated, but also other aspects such as:
- the improvement of industrial processes,
- natural and bioclimatic building practices This approach will not only contribute to reducing emissions, but will also strengthen the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing sustainable development.
The geographical isolation of the region makes uninterrupted energy supply a challenge. The existing grid connection frequently experiences outages, causing problems for residents and businesses. For this reason, the use of renewable energy sources is imperative to enhance the region's energy autonomy.
Tilliria is also a place with enormous potential. It occupies the peninsula between the bays of Chrysochous and Morphou and extends for about 30 kilometres. To the south of the area is the Paphos State Forest, which places it in a privileged position between the forest and the sea.
Tilliria, in terms of place names, concerns 23 villages of the districts of Nicosia (21) and Paphos (2 - Paliabela and Pomos), of which until 1974, 12 had a purely E/C population, 8 had a pure T/C population (such as Agios Theodoros, Aleuka and Selladin t'Appi) and 3 were mixed (Abeliko, Limnitis and Mansoura). The area experienced continuous population growth from 1881 to 1973, when it went from almost 2,000 inhabitants to almost 8,000. The Turkish invasion, however, had a negative impact on the population growth of the area, as many inhabitants left their villages. According to a preliminary census of 2021, today the villages of Pano Pyrgos (18), Kato Pyrgos (919), Pigenia (80), Pachyammos (59) and Mosfili (20) have a total of about 1,100 inhabitants.
Although small in population, these villages have a rich tradition of agriculture and animal husbandry. Today, the inhabitants continue to grow vegetables, fruit, olives and citrus fruits, and are also involved in other activities such as tourism, public services and transport.
Tilliria is an area of unique natural beauty, part of which falls within the Natura2000 network of protected areas (Special Area of Conservation - the Paphos Forest), with a rich cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, which largely determines its current identity. The preservation and enhancement of this natural beauty is a factor that needs to be seriously taken into account in the decisions to be taken. We must adopt an approach that starts with the small and goes on to the big, from the energy upgrading of the building stock to the conservation and restoration of the existing stock. We owe it to ourselves to come to Tilliria with innovative solutions that combine tradition with modern technology, restoring the rich architectural heritage with modern sustainable building and space design.
The geographical isolation and the existence of the line of confrontation, as well as the interruption of the Complex from the enclave of Kokkina, are factors that cannot be ignored when referring to climate neutrality and sustainable development.
As I mentioned before, an important part of today's conference is the presence of selected representatives of the Municipality of Tilos. Tilos is the first zero waste island in the world and is a model energy community based almost entirely on renewable energy sources. Although it is a small island of only 500 inhabitants, through significant changes implemented gradually, with the willingness, awareness and acceptance of the inhabitants, who embraced the effort, Tilos has managed to become an excellent example of a harmonious balance between development and nature, as well as proof that the transition to climate neutrality is possible with the right human resources, tools, commitment and investment. The experience of Tilos can provide us with valuable lessons and inspire us to implement similar practices in Tilliria.
Climate neutrality and green growth are goals that need the cooperation of all of us. My Office is committed to supporting all efforts. Sharing knowledge, methods and good practices with the Municipality of Tilos is just the beginning. We want the path to climate neutrality and green growth adopted here to be applicable to other areas of Cyprus.
This effort will not be easy, but we will follow it together, step by step, incorporating sustainable and feasible solutions each time, seeking synergies and partnerships.
Today's workshop is the first of a series of events that will follow, covering different topics each time.
Today's workshop is the first of a series of events that will follow, covering different topics each time. These events, in addition to informing local authorities and citizens about the actions they can take to achieve climate neutrality, will play a catalytic role in identifying progress, but also in promoting cooperation between local authorities, citizens, stakeholders, the private sector and central government.
We look forward to the findings of the workshop, which we assure you will be used in the follow-up.
(ASP)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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