Aglantzia Municipality and Agios Theodoros Pitsilias Council were granted Green capitals of Cyprus awards during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia.
The two local authorities were given the “Gold Mufflon Award” during the event, organized to honor green towns and cities of Cyprus and to grant environmental awards to organizations and companies.
Green flag award was given to the municipalities of Limassol, Ypsonas, Aglantzia, Athienou, Engomi, Latsia, Deryneia, Strovolos, Livadia, Lakatamia, Agia Napa, Larnaka, Agios Theodoros Council, Agios Theodoros Pitsilias Council, Pissouri Council and Louvaras Council.
Deneia Council got an honorary award for its environmental actions.
In his speech President Nicos Anastasiades said that the state has formed a holistic strategy in order to manage environmental challenges, adding that biodiversity, reduction of the effects of pollution on public health and ecosystems, the correct management of natural resources and the management of the effects of the climate crisis are in the center of this strategy.
He said that green economy, green energy and sustainable entrepreneurship are also priorities on the agenda.
The President said that the state has also introduced the national strategy for climate change and the action plan for climate and energy adding that the state wants to make better use of the European funding tools for sustainable growth and biodiversity in education.
President Anastasiades also referred to Cyprus’ initiative for a Mediterranean strategy for education and sustainable growth, adopted in 2016 and the fact that Cyprus assumed the Presidency of education and sustainable growth of the UN committee as well and the country’s contribution in matters related to climate crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Environment Commissioner Klelia Vasiliou said that the Recovery and Resilience plan includes numerous projects and reforms that are related to environment and the climate crisis as well as digital transformation. A total of 2.4 bln euro will be distributed for Green transition and 1.9 bln for actions for climate.
Source: Cyprus News Agency