Nicosia: Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus, Antonia Theodosiou, has emphasized the importance of both institutional and practical preservation of the art of dry stone construction, as well as its instruction to new craftsmen.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Theodosiou made these remarks during an event where the documentary ‘Petra stin Petra’ (stone upon stone) was showcased as a part of the 51st Alona Festival. In her address, she highlighted the educational workshops and other initiatives conducted in the villages of Ora, Pedoulas, Vasa Kilaniou, and Alona. While these efforts are significant, Theodosiou stressed that additional measures are needed.
Theodosiou expressed that the urgency to preserve and revive this technique is heightened by climate change and wildfires. She noted that dry stone walls and vineyards have functioned as natural barriers during recent fires in Cyprus, helping to slow down or even prevent the spread of wildfires.
She described dry stone building as one of the oldest traditions in the Cypriot countryside, which has historically shaped the landscape, protected crops, and sustained mountainous and semi-mountainous communities. Theodosiou added that it is an integral part of the region’s historical identity and signifies a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, a relationship that now requires rediscovery and preservation.
Additionally, Theodosiou recalled the achievement in 2018 when the national committees of Cyprus and Greece, along with six other countries, secured the inclusion of the Art of Drystone on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. This recognition underscores the cultural significance and crucial ecological role of dry stone construction, particularly in soil protection, water resource retention, erosion prevention, and the creation of microclimates that benefit agriculture and biodiversity.