Filenews 27 August 2023
Environment Commissioner Maria Panayiotou assures that the Christodoulides government has designed the implementation of a horizontal strategy for the protection of the environment, prioritizing the use of all those tools to achieve to the maximum extent possible the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal.
In her interview with "F", Ms. Panayiotou indicates that every citizen, with his daily choices and habits, can contribute to the achievement of the goal of climate neutrality, having as a strong motivation the living in a healthy environment.
-The greenhouse effect leaves impacts that are visible and unbearable in our region. What habits do we need to change in order to limit the impact on people and the environment as much as possible?
The greenhouse effect is caused by the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, in order to bring about positive results, changes must involve on an individual and collective level, the termination or diversification of habits and practices that cause the increase of these gases. Reducing energy consumption, improving the energy performance of buildings and introducing more renewable energy sources (utilizing the current support schemes), the use of more energy-efficient appliances combined with the development of a culture of environmental awareness, can bring positive results. In the same direction is the increase in the use of public transport, cycling and walking, as well as the choice of low or zero emission cars. Addressing items whose original use ended as raw materials for something else through reuse or recycling, reducing the use of plastics, supporting local and organic production of products and preferring food consumption with a reduced carbon footprint (e.g. legumes, fruits, vegetables), are also some habits that if adopted on a large scale would bring positive results.
And from the greenhouse effect we go to the phenomenon of boiling, as the UN Secretary General recently said. What is our country doing to deal with extreme weather events as a result of climate change?
The phenomenon of "boiling" was said to give an overview of what comes next, as a result of climate change. As a country we have a fairly well-structured weather forecasting and early warning system. The three alert levels (yellow, orange, red) correspond to specific obligations on the part of the competent authorities, but also to the way citizens should react. At the same time, we are constantly strengthening our infrastructure in order to better deal with extreme weather events and to become more resilient to them (reforestation, flood protection, improvement of water supply and irrigation systems, etc.). Also, with special Plans/Programs/Strategies such as the National Energy and Climate Plan, we reduce impacts, adapt to changes and end actions that exacerbate climate change. I remind you that the joint initiative of the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and the Department of Forests for the project "Holistic Water Management in Academy Park" was launched to address what climate change caused in this Park. As an Office we participate in the European program "ResAlliance – Landscape resilience knowledge alliance for agriculture and forestry" coordinated and headed by Professor George Boustras of the European University and the CERIDES center. The aim of the program is through strategies, awareness actions and exchange of good practices, to make our ecosystems more resilient against the effects of climate change.
Scientists are sounding the alarm that increasing temperatures and sea waters are leading to the extinction of flora on land and seas. Is the country monitoring developments and has defenses?
-Our country monitors, is informed and takes preventive measures to protect the consequences of temperature increase on ecosystems, both on land and at sea, to the extent that it can and deserves, since it is a global problem. We act within the framework of Actions/Plans/Programmes such as the Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biodiversity in Cyprus, utilizing Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as a tool for the sustainable development of marine zones and coastal areas. The co-competent departments participate in various research programs that enhance the prediction, protection and adaptation of these ecosystems.
In this context, systematic studies are carried out in order to understand in time any changes or threats from the invasion of new species or the extinction of other species living in specific climatic conditions, either terrestrial or water, in order to deal with them where and where we can. Supporting these efforts is the designation of protected areas where any activity is prohibited or restricted, in order to protect sensitive ecosystems. Also, as the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment, we cooperate with various bodies to organize or promote actions aimed at informing and educating the public about the importance of preserving natural resources and biodiversity.
The global ecological crisis we are facing is of legitimate concern to the scientific community and civil society. Do policies and decisions on critical environmental issues take into account available scientific knowledge and the point of view of civil society?
Public consultations, workshops, working groups and other dialogue forums are regular tools used to ensure that citizens' views are taken into account. The scientific community plays a very important role in the decision-making process, which is why the various government departments collaborate with academic institutions specializing in environmental issues. The Christodoulides government attaches particular importance to the utilization of scientific knowledge, for which there is an explicit reference in the governance program. As an Office, we are in the process of signing memoranda of understanding with academic institutions that have environmental expertise so that we can use the knowledge and innovative results of their research in the proposals we submit and in the campaigns we design. I note the Office's goal of creating an interdisciplinary conference on environmental issues in 2024, while in October 2023 we have scheduled lectures by academics.
Is Cyprus in a position to adopt and achieve the ambitious environmental targets set by the European Union through the European Green Deal? What actions is the Republic taking in this direction?
With determination and clear political will, the Christodoulides government has designed the implementation of a horizontal strategy for the protection of the environment, prioritizing the use of all those tools in order to adopt and achieve to the maximum extent possible the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal. The consultation on Cyprus' revised National Energy and Climate Plan is already underway in order to redefine our country's contribution to the effort for climate neutrality. At the same time, the circular economy, the energy upgrade of buildings, the increase in the use of RES with subsidy schemes, the inclusion of sustainable mobility and the promotion of electromobility, waste sorting at source, recycling, reuse and limited use of landfills, digital and green skills, etc. In addition, coordinated efforts are made on biodiversity conservation issues, water protection and sustainable management of natural resources. As an Office, we assist the effort with various suggestions, actions and information campaigns in schools, camps, communities, organized groups, etc., to reduce our carbon footprint. The goal of climate neutrality is not just about the state. Every citizen, with his daily choices and habits, can contribute to the achievement of the goal having as a strong motivation the living in a healthy environment.
Clean solar energy
–Local actors (see communities of Akamas and Municipality of Sotira) join forces with land developers in order to carry out developments in nature protection areas. Are these actions manageable?
No "development" can lead to development if it is not done with respect for the environment. Besides, by development we cannot mean only anything related to "cement". The decision, for example, to restore the "Kambouris Sand", shows that there is the political will to address these actions and to respect the provisions for the Natura 2000 special protection areas. As an Office we assist this effort by organizing on October 19 a workshop on "Coastal Developments and Protected Areas: Environmental Law and Sustainable Construction Products". Speakers will be Professor Dimitris Melissas of the National Technical University of Athens, who specializes in Spatial Planning, Urban Planning and Environmental Law and Environmental Engineer Phanos Hadjikyriakou who specializes in product sustainability in the construction sector.
Have you considered proposing investment and incentive programs for energy production from alternative sources?
The search for alternative energy sources is more urgent than ever, which is why the promotion of Cyprus' potential for the production of "clean" solar energy, as well as other forms of renewable energy, is a given. As a state, as part of our commitments to the EU, we are already working to provide programmes to promote the use of alternative energy sources. The investments made and planned by large semi-governmental organizations such as EAC and Cyta, the installation of photovoltaics in military camps and schools, as well as incentives for citizens and businesses investing in renewable energy systems, are some of the efforts made in this direction. As an Office, we also invest in educating and informing the public about the benefits and possibilities arising from the further development of alternative energy systems.
New permitting framework for RES
-Why does the policy of creating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) continue on vast areas of land and public buildings and roofs in houses are not utilized?
There is huge potential in the utilization of public buildings and rooftops, which is why there are incentives and grants to install photovoltaic panels on roofs and roofs of homes and businesses, reducing the need for larger installations on the ground. The statements of the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr. Papanastasiou, on July 19, 2023, "Every roof and photovoltaic", as well as the examination of a plan to subsidize the installation of photovoltaics, through the saving of EAC bills, are the practical confirmation that the aim is the utilization of public buildings, homes and businesses through grants, with the ultimate goal of achieving our national targets in RES. I remind you that in the new spatial planning policy, the creation of large RES installations is limited so that they are not placed in ecologically sensitive areas. Specifically, 12 exclusion areas such as wetlands, migratory bird passages, state forests, etc., in which their establishment is prohibited, and another 23 areas where placement is examined on a case-by-case basis, such as areas with crops subsidized for environmental purposes, are mentioned. I note that within the next few months the new Order of the Ministry of Interior will be issued, which will constitute the legal framework for licensing RES.
What actions do you think the Republic should take in order to attract investments in the field of the environment?
-The Republic is already taking actions that can attract investments in the field of the environment. Grant schemes are already running for businesses in the service and industrial sector for energy saving and for industries with special provisions for environmental protection. Very important are the Plans for the development of sustainable tourism and circular economy that are expected in the short term. In addition, the strengthening of research and innovation in the field of the environment, the government's reform agenda including tax reform, the utilization of European tools that boost green investments, are actions in this direction. Besides, attracting investments through the promotion of Cyprus as a test bed country for new green energy technologies is included in the governance program.
One of the most important problems that the State is called upon to manage concerns waste. In Cyprus, the majority of household waste ends up in landfills and landfills without being sorted at source, resulting in very few materials being sent for recycling. How can the policy of separate collection be achieved and recycling rates improved? Can citizens change their daily habits and how.
-Our negative lead in household waste volume compared to low recycling rates illustrates the magnitude of the problem. As recorded in the Municipal Waste Management Plan, the absence of widespread sorting of waste at source so far, which creates continued dependence on existing landfill and OEDA units, must be differentiated. Therefore, a series of actions have already been put on track in urban centers and mountainous Cyprus, the implementation of which is expected to bring positive results in the coming months.
Separate sorting at source is key to reducing the volume of waste and this is also a basic principle of "pay as you throw" that is about to be implemented. To achieve this, a combination of measures is needed. These include informing and educating citizens about the importance of recycling and sorting at source, creating appropriate infrastructure for the collection and sorting of recyclable materials, which have already been taxied.
The joint initiative with the First Lady, Mrs. Filippa Karsera Christodoulides, to convert the Presidential Palace and the buildings of Ministries and Deputy Ministries into zero waste buildings in landfills, is in this direction. It is for this purpose that we believe that the training of employees in the Presidential, Ministries and Deputy Ministries is important and contributes to the collective effort to change habits and cultivate culture.
