A new China tax incentive aims to encourage companies to invest in digital and smart upgrades of special equipment. Companies upgrading certain equipment that aids environmental protection and safe production can enjoy a deduction of the investment at a rate of 10 percent from their corporate income tax payable. We explain the requirements of the … Read more
In reviving and narrowing a surtax on the state’s most profitable businesses, lawmakers have mostly reversed a cut to New Jersey’s open space programs that happened when an earlier surcharge sunset at the start of 2024. The so-called corporate transit fee — a 2.5% surcharge on businesses with more than $10 million in profits — is … Read more
An Asian elephant gave birth to twins in Thailand (image above, AFP), a rare event for this endangered species, after a perilous birth that injured a caregiver. Eighteen minutes after an 80-kilogramme male was born on Friday night, a 60-kilogram female elephant was born, and the mother, Pangjamjuri, suffered a nervous breakdown. A member of … Read more
The illegal construction of a church in the Natura 2000 Network in Cape Greco, despite the reaction of relevant government departments, shows that the violation of environmental legislation is deeply rooted in corruption.
The need for civil society organizations to act as environmental watchdogs remains urgent, as recent revelations have shown violations of environmental conditions in the Akamas area. The scandal involved roadworks that ignored environmental conditions, and the Forestry Department was supposed to oversee the project. The Water Development Department had warned about violations a year before environmental NGOs raised the alarm. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect Griffon vultures from extinction, with poison baits and power line collisions being major threats. Despite efforts to persuade the Electricity Authority to make infrastructure safer, losses of vultures and eagles continue due to collisions and electrocutions.
New evidence of the urban planning of ancient Nea Paphos was revealed during archaeological excavations carried out by Warsaw and Krakow universities. The excavation focused on uncovering the city’s road system remnants to confirm the hypothesized size of the residential blocks in Nea Paphos. Excavations revealed two perpendicular walls forming the corner of a room likely from the Hellenistic period, and remnants of two canals. Additionally, the mission processed ceramic and glass materials discovered in earlier excavation periods.
Fact: A study on the cultural heritage of Cyprus was carried out by The Cyprus Institute and the Louvre Museum in Paris, opening new horizons in the study and analysis of treasures of cultural heritage.
Cape Aspro and Petra tou Romiou could be included in the Unesco Cultural heritage list if a proposal by Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou and the communities of Pissouri and Kouklia is approved. The area has outstanding universal value and meets at least one of the 10 criteria set by the International World Heritage Convention. It would be the second mixed heritage area in Cyprus, after the southern part of Mathiatis mine. Cape Aspro is designated a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation due to its ecological value. The geological formations in the area have enormous geological and archaeological value, with recent discoveries showing indications of a small settlement at the site.
The Cyprus Animal Party strongly opposes the proposal to transform the Limassol Zoo into a ‘Limassol Animal Farm Park’, criticizing both the process and content of the plan. The proposal highlights the need for a more animal-friendly approach, focusing on conservation and education rather than exhibiting animals in cages. The Animal Party calls for transparency in the decision-making process and believes the proposal should undergo another round of public consultation. The zoo has faced criticism in recent years due to issues with animal safety, including the death of a deer and a Savannah cat.
Limassol Zoo may be transformed into an ‘animal farm park’ according to a proposal put forward by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education (Cycere). The park would house livestock, domestic animals, and other animals native to Cyprus in a more animal-friendly manner, without exhibiting animals in cages. Visitors would be able to participate in activities with the animals, such as feeding, walking tours, and animal photography. The park would also serve as an educational center emphasizing the importance of protecting animals and the environment. The proposal comes after protests against the zoo due to issues with animal safety, including the death of a deer and a Savannah cat.