Around 30% of the Cyprus' territory has been included in the Natura 2000 Network, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis has told the House Environment Committee, adding that 72 areas have been designated, including 39 Special Areas of Conservation and 33 Special Protection Areas for birds.
Senekis on 16 September presented the Committee with the four main environmental priorities for the coming period. He said these were resilient forests and natural disaster prevention, resilient nature, a circular and competitive green economy, and the sustainable management of natural and mineral resources.
“In fisheries and aquaculture, our aim is to support incomes, strengthen competitiveness and maintain vibrant and sustainable coastal communities,” he said.
Noting the need to transition to a modern forest protection system, he said funding of €25.5 million had been approved over a three-year period.
Regarding Akamas National Forest Park, Senekis said that the Ministry proceeded with a revision of its Development Plan, with a smaller environmental footprint. He noted that the new infrastructure had been reduced by around 700 square metres.
He also said that a comprehensive viability study for the national network of waste management facilities was being promoted. The study will determine planning for the 2029-2035 period and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Regarding recycling infrastructure, he said efforts were under way to create smaller Green Points in mountainous and remote areas. As regards illegal dumps, he noted that total state support for clean-up works had amounted to €2.22 million.
Speaking about climate change and the green transition, he said 142 emissions allowance auctions had been held, generating net revenues of €109.04 million for the Republic of Cyprus.
The Minister also stated that geological suitability maps were being prepared, noting that studies were being launched for the development of a National Critical Raw Materials Strategy.
(Source: CNA)
