Nicosia: A significant conference is set to take place at the University of Cyprus, focusing on the pressing issue of pesticide exposure and its impact on children's health and the environment. Organized by PAN Europe in collaboration with the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII) and Cyprus University of Technology, this event aims to explore the challenges posed by climate change and pesticide use, especially in the Mediterranean region.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including EU and national decision-makers, scientists, health professionals, and farmers' organizations. The discussions will center around the vulnerabilities of children to pesticide exposure, the European Commission's recent proposal on pesticide deregulation, and the regulatory gaps concerning PFAS pesticides. Furthermore, the event will highlight sustainable agricultural practices and success stories from Cypriot farmers who have reduced pesticide dependency.
The conference will feature a series of panels, starting with an examination of the European Commission's 2025 proposal, which permits potentially unlimited pesticide approvals. This panel, chaired by Dr. Agapios Agapiou, will include inputs from Dr. Angeliki Lysimachou of PAN Europe and Mr. Klaus Berend from the European Commission's DG SANTE. Another panel will delve into pesticide contamination and its effects on children's health, led by Dr. Andrie Panayiotou of CII.
The event will also address integrated pest management strategies and sustainable alternatives, with contributions from experts like Lyssandros Lyssandrides and Dr. Menelaos Stavrinidis. The conference will conclude with a panel discussion on moving towards a sustainable future for vulnerable populations, facilitated by Mr. Gergely Simon from PAN Europe.
This gathering underscores the urgent need to bridge preventive health with environmental sustainability and aims to foster political momentum to prevent regulatory backsliding in pesticide policies. Participants are encouraged to register and join this critical dialogue on safeguarding children's health and promoting sustainable agriculture in Europe.