Natura 2000 areas

Cyprus mulling urban tolls to reduce car use

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Cyprus mulling urban tolls to reduce car use

The Environmental Impact Assessment for Cyprus’ National Strategic Land Transport Plan is open for public consultation until June 14, 2024. The plan aims to increase public transport usage to 17% and reduce car usage by 14%. The primary objective is to identify potential environmental impacts and propose measures to prevent or offset them. The plan includes increasing electric vehicle and hydrogen stations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving public transport with dedicated lanes and increased service frequencies. Measures like urban tolls and low-emission zones are proposed to discourage car use and reduce air pollution. The plan also includes incentives for sustainable transport modes and creating new job opportunities.

Complying with Natura 2000 a , ‘government priority’

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Complying with Natura 2000 a , ‘government priority’

Fact: The ministry of agriculture in Cyprus has begun issuing decrees for Natura 2000 areas with the aim to complete the process by the end of 2025.

‘600-800 die per year’ in Cyprus due to poor air quality

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‘600-800 die per year’ in Cyprus due to poor air quality

– Between 600 and 800 deaths in Cyprus per year are due to poor air quality.
– The United Nations General Assembly’s resolution regarding the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment was accepted by a House human rights committee in Cyprus.
– The resolution requires the full implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
– The Republic of Cyprus must immediately proceed with the preparation of all management plans for Natura 2000 areas and adopt active measures to undo previous violations.
– The right to a healthy environment is considered a fundamental human right that has not yet been enshrined in international conventions or in the Republic of Cyprus’ constitution.
– A recent European Court of Human Rights ruling found against Switzerland for failing to deal with climate change and recognize its impacts on human rights.

Parliament to vote on environmental rights resolution

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Parliament to vote on environmental rights resolution

A Resolution plan for the adoption of Resolution A/RES/76/300 of the United Nations General Assembly regarding the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is being led by MP Alexandra Attalides in the upcoming Plenary Session of the Parliament. The resolution proposal was read out by Irene Charalambidou, the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights. The resolution includes a provision that the Republic of Cyprus must promptly prepare management plans for Natura 2000 areas and take immediate actions to address violations. Charalampos Theopemptou mentioned that there are 600-800 premature deaths in Cyprus annually due to poor air quality. Alexandra Attalides highlighted that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental human right that is not yet enshrined in international conventions or the Constitution of Cyprus, despite aspects of it being recognized by EU laws. The European Court of Human Rights recently ruled on a case against Switzerland for failing to address climate change and its impact on human rights.

Cyprus and Greece pledge joint efforts for environmental sustainability

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Cyprus and Greece pledge joint efforts for environmental sustainability

– Cyprus and Greece are aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation on important environmental policies.
– Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and her Greek counterpart Theodoros Skylakakis discussed concrete joint actions on urban waste management and improving recycling systems.
– The importance of protecting Natura 2000 areas was also discussed, with an emphasis on institutionalizing decrees to define conservation objectives and integrated management of these areas.
– The ministers expressed their will to strengthen bilateral cooperation for implementing sustainable solutions to protect the environment.

Cyprus , ‘well below’ EU renewable energy target

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Cyprus , ‘well below’ EU renewable energy target

– Cyprus’ contribution to the EU renewable energy target is below that required by EU legislation.
– The EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, stated that Cyprus has taken significant steps towards implementing green reforms and investments.
– There is untapped potential for renewable energy in Cyprus.
– The updated national Recovery and Resilience Plan is important for accelerating the use of renewable energy in Cyprus.
– Sinkevicius highlighted Cyprus’ failures in Natura 2000 areas and the EU’s decision to take the country to the EU Court of Justice.
– He emphasized the need for appropriate measures in areas of conservation.
– Sinkevicius mentioned that environmental protection and development of tourism should not be contradictory goals.
– The EU supports bi-communal cooperation on the environment in Cyprus through technical support, funding, and projects with an environmental footprint that benefit both sides.
– Sinkevicius discussed the EU’s role in preventing wildfires, reforestation policies, air pollution, and dealing with the increase of dust storms in Cyprus.