Nicosia: Around 30% of Cyprus' territory has been included in the Natura 2000 Network, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis informed the House Environment Committee. The designation covers 72 areas, comprising 39 Special Areas of Conservation and 33 Special Protection Areas for birds.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Senekis outlined four environmental priorities for the upcoming period. These include resilient forests and natural disaster prevention, resilient nature, a circular and competitive green economy, and sustainable management of natural and mineral resources.

In the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the aim is to support incomes, enhance competitiveness, and maintain vibrant coastal communities. Senekis emphasized the need for a modern forest protection system, highlighting an approved funding of £25.5 million over three years.

Concerning Akamas National Forest Park, the Ministry revised its Development Plan to minimize environmental impact, reducing new infrastructure by approximately 700 square meters. A comprehensive viability study for the national waste management facilities network is underway, targeting the 2029-2035 planning period, with completion expected by 2028.

Efforts are ongoing to establish smaller Green Points in remote areas to bolster recycling infrastructure. Regarding illegal dumps, state support for clean-up operations totaled £2.22 million.

Addressing climate change and the green transition, Senekis noted that 142 emissions allowance auctions had generated net revenues of £109.04 million for the Republic of Cyprus. Geological suitability maps are being prepared, and studies are being initiated for a National Critical Raw Materials Strategy.