Around 30% of Cyprus is part of the Natura 2000 network
In Cyprus, around 30% of the territory is currently part of the Natura 2000 conservation network. A total of 72 areas have the status of special conservation or protection zones, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis said at a meeting of the parliamentary environment committee. Cyprus Mail reports.
Environmental priorities
According to Senekis, the authorities have identified four main environmental areas for the near future: increasing forest resilience and preventing natural disasters, nature resilience, developing a circular and competitive green economy, and sustainable management of natural and mineral resources.
EUR 25.5 million has been allocated for the transition to a modern forest protection system. In fisheries and aquaculture, the ministry intends to support incomes, strengthen competitiveness, and preserve viable and sustainable coastal communities.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Waste and infrastructure
The ministry revised the Akamas area development plan with a smaller environmental footprint. The area of new infrastructure within the plan was reduced by approximately 700 square metres, the minister said.
By 2028, Cyprus expects to complete a comprehensive viability study of a new network of waste management facilities. It is intended to determine planning for the 2029–2035 period. Work is also underway to establish smaller green points in mountainous and remote areas.
State support for the cleanup of illegal dumps amounted to EUR 2.22 million. In addition, the Republic held 142 emissions quota auctions, which generated EUR 109.04 million in net revenue. The authorities are also preparing geological suitability maps and launching research to develop a national strategy on critical raw materials.
