[PIO] The project "Holistic Water Management in the National Forest Park of the Pedagogical Academy" was presented at a press conference

Joint Initiative of the Environment Commissioner's Office and the Forestry Department

The immediate and holistic response to the low rainfall caused by climate change and meeting the full needs of the trees is addressed by the announcement of the project "Holistic Water Management in the National Forest Park of the Academy of Education", held today, Thursday, June 1, 2023, on the occasion of the upcoming World Environment Day.

Specifically, this is a joint initiative of the Office of the Commissioner of the Environment and the Department of Forests, which will lead to the installation of a permanent irrigation system to supply water to the trees in the park. This action aims to showcase the Education Academy National Forest Park as a model park in terms of water management. It is the first park of this size in which such a project will be implemented. In addition, it touches on aspects related to the use of modern technology (through the creation of a "smart irrigation system"), the circular economy, environmental education of students, public awareness and information. It is a progressive initiative that will be the starting point for rational water management in other parks and green spaces.

The project starts on 1 June 2023 and will be completed in December 2024. The cost of the project is estimated at 225 thousand euros. The project is co-funded with 30 thousand euros from the Priceless Planet Coalition's Priceless Planet Coalition initiative for the restoration of the planet's forests and Cyprus, in cooperation with the Hellenic Bank. This amount was given to the Philoforestry Association and will be used in its entirety for this purpose. The remaining amount will be financed from the budget of the Department of Forests.

In his address to the press conference, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mr. Petros Xenophontos stressed that "the Ministry of Agriculture encourages initiatives like today's as the response to the climate crisis we have been experiencing in recent years is a top priority of our Ministry.

The reuse of water through the proper management of wastewater, the waste-free disposal of water, the use of modern technology to save energy and water, environmental education and awareness-raising aimed at changing attitudes and the enhancement of forest recreation within cities are the main pillars on which the philosophy of this initiative is based and fully reflects the broader policy of the Government in terms of a holistic approach to sensitive environmental issues."

Subsequently, Environment Commissioner Maria Panagiotou stressed that "already in 2018, the effects of climate change in Acadamia Park became apparent with the recording of massive drying of trees. This phenomenon was mainly due to the low rainfall in the area, which had subjected the trees to prolonged water stress, resulting in their depletion, secondary attack by insects and drying out.

The development of the Academy National Forest Park's Action Plan in October 2018, aimed at protecting this green lung of the capital, provided, among other things, for the management of rainwater and recycled water to counteract drying. After contacting the Department's officials, I was informed that water management had been partially implemented in some parts of the park with very positive results. We recorded the positive effects this had on the growth rate and vigour of the trees and decided, together with the Forest Department, to implement holistic water management in the park.

With this initiative, our aim is to create the first park of this size as a model, in order to give impetus for the development of rational water management initiatives in other parks and green spaces."

"I must," he said, "note that we are delighted that Mastercard, in collaboration with the Hellenic Bank, have decided to donate the entire amount of the Priceless Planet Coalition project to this cause, since this project will achieve the reduction of the gaps and water stress of the Park's trees."

Panagiotou stressed that "addressing the impacts of climate change can only be achieved through synergies and the use of technology. This project is the practical proof of our common will and effort to achieve this goal."

Subsequently, the Director of the Forestry Department, Mr: "Water management in the National Forest Park of Pedagogical Academy will be based on two pillars. The first axis concerns the utilization of the available water sources (lake, recycled water, water from the water reservoirs), while the second axis concerns the utilization of rainwater (water catchment and drainage).

Therefore, the preparation of two separate studies is required. The Irrigation Study, which is starting today, and the Hydrological Study. On the basis of these studies, an intelligent irrigation system (water storage tanks, pumps, automation, water transport pipelines, fittings, weather station, software, sensors, etc.) will be installed, followed by rainwater management works (two small dams - 'demesne') to drain rainwater within the Park.

This project will create an intelligent irrigation system, which will automatically adjust the irrigation of the plants according to the need. The entire irrigation process will be controllable through an application for smart devices and/or program software installed on a computer. At the same time, the rainwater that enters the park through the watercourse and the culvert will be utilized, without any human intervention."

Then, the Head of Corporate Communications and Identity of Hellenic Bank Mr. George Slavos noted that Hellenic Bank invests in sustainable development and consistently plans its actions, reducing its environmental footprint. "We are very proud of our participation in Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition as the only Cypriot bank. This year, through this partnership, we were given the opportunity to contribute to holistic water management in the Pedagogical Academy National Forest Park and we look forward to new equally important initiatives."

(PM/MB/SX)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source