Cyprus steps up climate resilience efforts in high-level talks

In a push to strengthen Cyprus' resilience to climate change, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr Maria Panayiotou, held key meetings in Slovenia on the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference on "Challenges for Climate Change Adaptation in Southeastern Europe."

A major highlight was Dr Panayiotou’s meeting with Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), where she underscored the strategic importance of bolstering meteorological and climate services in Cyprus.

“Strengthening cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization is a strategic priority for enhancing our climate services,” she stated.

The discussions focused on:

• Expanding early warning systems for extreme weather events
• Improving climate data collection and exchange to assess vulnerabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean
• Promoting regional initiatives for climate change monitoring and forecasting

Dr Panayiotou also emphasised the role of agrometeorology, noting its significance in sustainable agriculture, enhancing climate resilience in the primary sector and providing farmers with reliable data for better decision-making

She highlighted the Meteorology Master’s programme at the Cyprus Institute, aligning with WMO standards, as a key investment in scientific expertise and climate resilience.

"Our goal is to secure sustainable solutions and strengthen scientific expertise, contributing to environmental protection and making Cyprus more resilient to climate challenges," she said.

Regional cooperation on climate and water management

During a bilateral meeting with Slovenian Minister of the Environment, Bojan Kumer, Dr Panayiotou explored best practices in water management and nature-based adaptation solutions.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), she reiterated the importance of MED9 collaboration, particularly in tackling extreme climatic and weather events in the Mediterranean.

"Addressing these challenges demands collective action, innovation, and strong partnerships," she remarked, congratulating Kumer for fostering regional cooperation on climate adaptation.

Dr Panayiotou also held a constructive discussion with Croatian Minister of Agriculture, Marija Vučković, focusing on climate resilience, sustainable water management, and renewable energy integration into desalination.

“Water scarcity and climate adaptation are key priorities for both Cyprus and Croatia,” she posted on X, highlighting efforts to optimise non-conventional water resources, enhance irrigation efficiency and integrate renewable energy into desalination projects.

Enhancing Regional Climate Preparedness

The discussions also emphasised meteorological cooperation as a key tool for improving forecasting and early warning systems. Through SEE-MHEWS-A and EUMETNET, Cyprus and its partners aim to:
✔ Strengthen climate preparedness
✔ Enhance regional response strategies

As Cyprus continues to build resilience against climate change, these high-level engagements signal a strong commitment to regional collaboration, scientific expertise, and sustainable adaptation strategies.