-
.
- Ελληνικά
The creation of climate-neutral and green communities is at the heart of the strategy of the Office of the Environment Commissioner Ms Antonia Theodosiou and is part of the Governance Programme of President Nicos Christodoulides for 2024, in particular the pillar concerning the green transition and the implementation of the Green Community. The aim of the programme is that within 2024, communities and/or clusters of communities will become energy independent but also serve other environmental objectives.
In this context, the Commissioner for Environment paid a visit to the area of Tilliria after the publication of the decision of the Community Council of Kato Pyrgos on the creation of "Green Tilliria". The cluster will include Pano and Kato Pyrgos, Pigenia, Mosfili, Mansoura and Pachyammos. During her visit, Ms Theodosiou met with the President of the Kato Pyrgos Tilliria Community Council Mr. Nikos Kleanthous and their advisor on green communities issues Mr. Pantelis Sofokleous. During the meeting they exchanged views on the issues and problems related to the creation of green and climate neutral communities as well as on what are the obligations of the communities in this direction. Ms Theodosiou also referred to the whole philosophy of the energy and green transition at the level of the European Union in the areas of the Green Deal.
The President of the Community Council of Kato Pyrgos said that for several months they have started the preparatory work and that as soon as there are the right incentives they will proceed to the creation of the "Green Tilliria". The meeting also mentioned the plans and initial studies made by the Community regarding the creation of a green spot, the creation of a photovoltaic park for the energy autonomy of the area as well as other issues such as the repair and energy upgrade of the irrigation network, the creation of a green pavilion and composter, the management of municipal waste, etc.
The Environment Commissioner, for her part, welcomed the initial studies of the Community and the fact that in the preliminary studies the will for a balanced development of livestock, agriculture, tourism and sustainable management of the area is evident. At a first level, the Commissioner's proposal to create 'energy neighbourhoods' was also examined. The Environment Commissioner said that "particular attention should be paid to the construction of large photovoltaic parks, particularly with regard to the excellent landscape in which the wider community is situated". Also, due to the geographical isolation of the area, the Commissioner suggested that the issue of transport and travel, and how to promote the green option in motoring, should also be addressed in parallel.
The meeting could not be without issues of cultural heritage and the preservation of the traditional elements of the area. With regard to the Lower Tower, the Commissioner suggested the purchase of an important listed building located opposite the Community Council and its conversion into a centre for the management of climate-neutral communities. Ms Theodosiou further suggested the reconstruction and conversion of the abandoned village of Agios Theodoros into an eco-village, following of course a specific process, adding that this is something that is feasible and has been considered in other areas of Cyprus.
At the end of the meeting it was agreed to have a close cooperation between the communities and the Office of the Environment Commissioner and Ms Theodosiou will await the communities' development business plan for study and promotion. Besides, it is the will and objective of the Government and the President himself, in the light of the decision of the Council of Ministers to establish an inter-ministerial committee for the Tilliria area, to revitalize the area through targeted measures and actions, as well as to preserve its history and culture.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
