Filenews 24 September 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
The art exhibition that took place in early September at Ibrahim's Inn, in the Paphos shopping centre, was the latest in a series of actions undertaken over the last year by social and other bodies in Pafos with the aim of raising awareness of larger sections of the population on environmental issues and more and more active involvement of more and more citizens in issues related to the protection of the ecosystem.
This art exhibition within the framework of the Ostrakon Project was entitled "Timeless travellers" and was an initiative of Air Balloon Digital Studio aimed at supporting the actions of the environmental foundation Terra Cypria, which is the Cyprus Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
Air Balloon is an environmentally conscious company specializing in web development and digital marketing. Terra Cypria is a non-governmental environmental organization, operating since 1992 as a charitable non-profit organization. The aim of the Foundation is to promote environmental awareness and sustainability through three main pillars. Through environmental education, through environmental programs that promote actions of conservation, protection and research of the environment and through environmental policy by exerting pressure on decision-makers.
Speaking today to "F", the Executive Director of the organization, Koulla Michael, emphasizes that in the pillar of environmental education, which is the longest term activity of the Foundation, Terra Cypria undertakes actions that contribute to the cultivation of active citizenship through various activities, projects and initiatives. The cornerstone of the Foundation's education, training and research activity is the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Studies (ΚΚΠΜ) based in the village of Kritou Terra in the Paphos District and recently active in Kathikas.
« In the program pillar, Terra Cypria implements programs that contribute to the preservation and protection of the environment, as well as the improvement of knowledge about it. Through our actions, we aim to protect natural and semi-natural areas and the biodiversity they host.
In its environmental policy pillar, Terra Cypria focuses mainly on issues related to the protection of natural areas, biodiversity loss, climate change and agricultural issues. We actively participate in the monitoring of legislative and regulatory work of parliamentary committees and participate in the committees for the assessment of the environmental impact of projects".
Referring to the event "Timeless travellers", Mrs. Michael stressed that it is particularly important, as it shows that although a private company, such as Air Balloon, does not have as its purpose the protection of the environment, nevertheless it has realized that we all have a role and responsibility in delivering to our children a healthy environment, and for this reason it supports those who have it as a purpose.
"What better way than to support a non-governmental and non-profit organization like ours," he says. "Terra Cypria, the Cypriot Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, has been fighting for the protection of the environment for 31 years. He is fighting this battle through the main pillars of education, research and programs, and political pressure. The protection of the environment, biodiversity and sustainable development are of paramount importance to us.
The two species of sea turtle, the Caretta caretta and the Chelonia Mydas, have been a priority for our institution since its establishment. Two emblematic species for Cyprus, both because our island is one of the most important nesting areas, but mainly for the green turtle, Cyprus is the only country in the European Union where it nests in such large populations, and mainly on the beaches of Lara and Toxeftra.
The proceeds from this event will go towards further intensifying our actions for the protection of turtles."
They have been protected since 1971 by strict regulations
