Filenews 12 February 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
Chloraka is not only antisocial and repulsive incidents despite the fact that the community in recent years has become synonymous with social problems. Ghettoization, overcrowding of foreigners, immigration, drug trafficking, incidents created a distorted image of a village that in bygone times was considered a reference example for the development and prosperity of its inhabitants.
The message is sent by the Cultural Environmental Club of Chlorakas, an association founded in 1990 and which has already made more than noticeable its constant presence in matters of culture, culture and social interventions in the wider region. Speaking on this issue to "F", the president of the Group, Andreas Kyriakou, emphasizes that the aims of the association are the creation of cultural and environmental interests in the community, the preservation and preservation of morals and customs and generally of the traditional cultural heritage and the promotion of the culture of the social and spiritual interests of the inhabitants.
"We are still struggling to contribute to the development of greenery and the protection of the environment and generally to the cultivation of environmental consciousness", he points out. "The Cultural Environmental Association of Chlorakas is a member of the Onassis Cultural Centre of Paphos as well as a member of the Federation of Environmental Organizations of Cyprus (OPOK).
In recent years, the Cultural - Environmental Association of Chlorakas has realized a large number of quality cultural events, such as book presentations, author awards, painting and book exhibitions, lectures, entertainment events, creation of a theatre and a theatrical academy for children with the financial support of the Community Council of Chlorakas. He organized lectures on the environment in the Primary Schools of the community with simultaneous tree plantings. It cooperates closely with the Department of Antiquities of Pafos regarding the beautification and cleanliness of the archaeological sites of Chlorakas".
The Cultural Environmental Club of Chlorakas, observes its president, among other things, proceeded to the production of a 70-minute documentary about Chloraka, on the subject: "The Chloraka of yesterday and today, a record of memory". It also took initiatives aiming at the protection and conservation of natural monuments, such as traditional endemic trees and generally the protection of the natural environment of the area.
"Our association with its suggestions to the Community Council sought and seeks the creation of a Lending Library, a People's Museum and a Cultural Center where the cultural associations of the community could be housed and the youth could have a place for healthy employment", says Mr. Kyriakou. "In our suggestions is also the creation of bicycle paths, as well as appropriate sidewalks that would connect the seaside area with the centre of the village, as well as the expansion of greenery where possible".
Andreas Kyriakou points out that the Chloraka of today no longer gives the impression that it is an idyllic village that would attract the interest of a romantic traveller. One can think of it as a district of the city of Pafos, rather than a village with some special characteristics that would make it stand out from the natural mix of development, he admits: "Unfortunately the exceptional natural beauty of the plateau with the terebinths, the oaks, the carob trees, the mersin, the lentisk and generally the natural ecosystem, It was replaced with apartment buildings and other related "concrete boxes" of every shape and taste.
Unfortunately, there was no proper urban planning that would preserve the natural beauties of Chlorakas and would be somehow harmoniously combined with the upcoming development. Many centuries-old trees have been cut down due to the building orgasm of recent years. It certainly does not follow the conditions that are set and are particularly relevant to protected trees."
The president of the Community Council of Chlorakas, Nikolas Liasidis, recently announced a new set of promising projects concerning the regeneration of the centre of Chlorakas, the creation of a cultural and exhibition multipurpose space in the area next to the amphitheatre, measures to improve and protect the coastal part in the municipal boundaries of the community of Chlorakas with the construction of breakwaters, works to improve the coastal front and more.
Referring to this fact, Andreas Kyriakou observes that Chloraka certainly needs many infrastructure projects whose main purpose must be to serve and improve the lives of residents and foreign travellers who flood the area. However, they should always be done in the context of sustainable development, proper planning and environmental studies, emphasizes:
"It is positive, and we recognize it, that the Community Council of Chlorakas offers financial support to the clubs that are active in the community and therefore contributes in this way to cultural events, sports and society in general.
It is also known the support provided to all Chlorakiotes authors who publish their books by the Community Council of Chlorakas. On the positive side is the contribution of the Ecclesiastical Committee of Chlorakas, which always supports our work, mainly with the free concession of the event space belonging to the church.
