|
“Sustainable and inclusive
development in the face of the climate crisis. Focus on Mediterranean
mountain areas”
It is with great pleasure that I welcome
everyone this afternoon, in the beautiful village of Agros.
First and foremost, I would
like to congratulate the MountMed Institute for the initiative to organize
this important event, during which world-class experts in their fields will
be given the opportunity to discuss the sustainable development of Mediterranean
mountain areas.
The topic of the MountMed
Spring School 2023 is of great interest to our Ministry, which is responsible
for both the protection of the environment from climate change, but also for
the development of rural areas including mountainous-areas.
Targeting a more sustainable
global economy is the sole roadmap for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions
and tackling climate change. It is, therefore, critical for the international
community to work collaboratively in order to meet the United Nations'
Sustainable Development Goals, and the targets for emissions’ reduction, as
set in the Paris Climate Agreement.
The last five-year period was
the warmest ever recorded. In addition, the latest report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that a temperature rise above
one and a half degrees, will lead to permanent damage of our environment and
will put at risk our future on earth.
Our efforts so far to
appropriately address environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss,
climate change and pollution, are deemed insufficient.
Climate change impacts are
constantly evident around us: high temperatures and protracted heat waves,
desertification and land degradation, wildfires and deforestation, ice melt
and sea-level rise, droughts, floods and extreme weather phenomena. According
to the United Nations Environment Programme, the Mediterranean region is
warming 20% faster than the global average. Impacts will exert additional
pressure on already strained ecosystems and on vulnerable economies and
societies.
Cyprus is a Mediterranean
island state, located in an area that is already experiencing serious effects
of climate change such as prolonged periods of drought, increased
temperatures, degradation of forests and rare ecosystems. For this reason,
Cyprus was one of the first countries to develop a climate change adaptation
strategy back in 2017, which consists of targeted measures across all
economic sectors. To address climate change, we fully comply with the
relevant international commitments and the legislation of the European Union.
We have also, collectively with the rest of the European Union member states,
submitted a revised, more ambitious Intended Nationally Determined
Contributions, of a binding target of an at least 55% reduction in the
greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels. However, our
ultimately ambition is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Additionally,
we are providing the adequate means of implementation for mitigation and
adaptation action in developing countries including a particular focus on
support to the poorest, most vulnerable and those with the least ability to
mobilise other resources.
Dear friends,
Protecting and developing
mountain areas is a fundamental challenge for the Mediterranean region, whose
mountains have been for centuries a major economic and cultural resource, and
also for the development of coastal areas. From an environmental perspective,
it is certain that the attractiveness of this region, its sustainable
development and the protection of biodiversity in the Mediterranean, also
require care of its mountain regions.
Climate change will cause
additional stress to the biodiversity of our island, yet state efforts are
being considered to alleviate and revert its loss. As nations of the world
agreed on a historic package of measures, which deemed critical to addressing
the dangerous loss of biodiversity and restoring natural ecosystems, so has
Cyprus been working towards its contribution for protecting 30% of earth’s
lands, oceans, coastal areas, inland waters of particular biodiversity and
ecosystem’s importance.
Recognizing the peculiarities
of the mountain communities and the need for their adequate support, our
Ministry also promotes programmes, in cooperation with the Commissioner for
the Development of Mountain Communities, the Commissioner for the Environment
and the Union of Communities, for the design and construction of a Recycling
Corners Network to serve the rural communities in the Troodos area, as part
of the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of the
Troodos Mountain Communities. Additionally, we promote a project for the
construction of a Green Collection Points Network in remote rural
communities. With developing the appropriate waste management infrastructure,
we will further enhance the national efforts for emissions reductions.
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
We have great challenges and
great opportunities ahead, and with good collaboration among the society, I
believe we will meet them.
I wish you all the best for the
Spring School.
Thank you.
(MG)
|
