Minister of agriculture highlights Cyprus’s vulnerability to climate change

Minister of agriculture highlights Cyprus’s vulnerability to climate change

Cyprus is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and changes in weather patterns posing serious threats to the environment, economy, and society. The government is implementing measures to address climate change and improve resilience, including strengthening scientific research, developing national adaptation strategies, and raising public awareness. The Minister of Agriculture emphasized the importance of enhancing climate resilience of natural ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and adopting sustainable water resource management practices. Community participation and empowerment are essential for the success of adaptation plans, with education and awareness being key pillars. The Minister highlighted the need for collective effort and determination to implement adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change to ensure sustainable and equitable development in the future.

Celestyal Discovery, ’s maiden voyage showcases new livery

Celestyal Discovery, ’s maiden voyage showcases new livery

Celestyal Discovery set sail on her maiden voyage around the Aegean on March 22, 2024, showcasing the cruise line’s new livery. The ship’s first passengers are sailing on the ‘Iconic Aegean’ itinerary, visiting five ports over the three-night sailing. Celestyal Discovery underwent a multi-million-euro refurbishment and features new onboard social spaces. Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides welcomed 1,100 guests onboard the ship and emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in the customer experience.

€3.6 million park project to boost Ayia Napa’s tourism offering

€3.6 million park project to boost Ayia Napa’s tourism offering

A multifunctional park with spiral pedestrian walkways, a lake, a botanical garden, and panoramic sea views is being constructed in Ayia Napa at a cost of €3.625 million. The project is part of the Cohesion Policy Programme THALIA 2021-2027, co-funded by the EU.

EXPLAINER-Turkey’s local vote a test for Erdogan and his main rival Imamoglu

EXPLAINER-Turkey’s local vote a test for Erdogan and his main rival Imamoglu

Turkey is holding municipal elections across 81 provinces on Sunday, March 31. President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party is aiming to reclaim cities it lost in 2019, including Istanbul and Ankara. Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in eastern provinces and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the rest of the country. Initial results are expected by 10 p.m. Analysts see the vote as a gauge of Erdogan’s support and the opposition’s durability, especially in Istanbul. The budget of Istanbul metropolitan municipality is significantly larger than other cities in the country. Controlling big cities can give parties influence over financing and job creation. Istanbul holds special importance for Erdogan as he rose to the national political stage during his time as mayor. Imamoglu, the incumbent CHP Mayor of Istanbul, is facing a tight race against AKP’s Murat Kurum. The outcome of the elections could impact Erdogan’s pursuit of a new constitution that could potentially extend his rule beyond 2028.

Great Sea Interconnector , ‘top priority’

Great Sea Interconnector , ‘top priority’

Fact: Israel’s Energy Minister emphasized that connecting the electricity cable from Israel to Europe through Cyprus strengthens Israel’s position in the region and contributes to Israel’s energy independence.

Presidents of Cyprus and Estonia discuss deepening partnership

Presidents of Cyprus and Estonia discuss deepening partnership

The Presidents of Cyprus and Estonia noted the similarities between their countries and agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as investments, cybersecurity, and shipping. They expressed strong support for the reunification of Cyprus based on a bicommunal and bizonal federation. Estonia also appreciated Cyprus’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and supported Cyprus as a frontline member state facing migration challenges. The two countries discussed enhancing bilateral relations in various fields, including cybersecurity, digitalization, maritime, and tourism. They also emphasized the importance of continuing solidarity towards Ukraine.

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Six workers were missing and presumed dead after a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Baltimore Harbor, causing a section of the bridge to collapse. Active search-and-rescue operations were suspended due to treacherous conditions in the water. The ship reported a power failure before impact, and all 22 crew members were accounted for. The closure of the port could have a major impact on supply chains. President Biden promised to visit Baltimore and rebuild the bridge. The incident may be the worst U.S. bridge collapse since 2007.

The…angry Netanyahu and the war crimes

The…angry Netanyahu and the war crimes

The USA abstained from the first ceasefire resolution in Gaza, angering Netanyahu who wanted Washington to exercise its veto. As a retaliatory measure, Netanyahu cancelled his delegation’s trip to Washington. The ceasefire did not hold as Israel continued its attacks on Gaza. The Security Council’s decision remained on paper, similar to the situation in Cyprus in 1974. The US government claimed there was no reason to believe Israel committed acts of genocide in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is dire, with people facing hunger and desperation. The head of European diplomacy denounced Israel’s use of hunger as a “war weapon” in Gaza. Netanyahu’s actions are seen as trying to save his political career, but the international community’s response allows the occupying power to continue its actions, which is considered a crime.

Energy minister in Israel to discuss interconnector

Energy minister in Israel to discuss interconnector

Energy Minister George Papanastasiou traveled to Israel to meet with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to discuss the planned electrical interconnector connecting Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Cyprus has confirmed its intention to participate in the project by investing up to €100 million. Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator has urged Cyprus to pay its €100 million share in the interconnector.

Divers to search Baltimore Harbor for six presumed dead in bridge collapse

Divers to search Baltimore Harbor for six presumed dead in bridge collapse

Search divers were expected to return near dawn on Wednesday to the waters surrounding the twisted ruins of a bridge knocked down in Baltimore Harbor by a faltering cargo ship, leaving six workers missing and presumed dead.