Larnaka:The DesirMed festival, held in the coastal town of Larnaka, emphasized the significance of nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation and coastal resilience. The two-day event included workshops and debates that showcased the role of local and regional initiatives and aimed to strengthen regional cooperation within the framework of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

According to Cyprus News Agency, the festival was organized by the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus and PAP/RAC, with support from DesirMED partners, particularly its lead partner, the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC).

One of the main attractions was a Giant Interactive Map located in Europe Square at the Phinikoudes promenade. This 17-meter-long map turned the square into a miniature version of the Mediterranean basin, allowing children and adults to explore the region's diverse ecosystems and the climate challenges they face.

Larnaka's vice mayor, Iasonas Iasonides, expressed Cyprus's commitment to environmental preservation and encouraged participants to exchange ideas to improve the planet. He underscored the shared responsibility of Europeans to enhance their communities and the environment.

Susanne Pedersen, Director of the Centre for Science and Knowledge at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighted the interconnectedness of climate and biodiversity challenges across the Mediterranean. She emphasized that building resilience requires collaboration and knowledge exchange among regions.

The festival's interactive map served as both an educational and engagement tool, illustrating how ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and seagrass meadows can mitigate climate impacts such as drought and coastal erosion. The event brought together policymakers and experts to discuss nature-based solutions and resilient coastal planning, fostering dialogue and cooperation throughout the Mediterranean region.

The Giant Interactive Map was a collaborative effort by IUCN and Giant Interactive Maps as part of the DesirMED project, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). The festival was organized with local partners, including the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, the Cyprus Energy Agency, and the Municipality of Larnaka.