Filenews 2 March 2025
I single out the beginning of the process for upgrading the OEDA units and the creation of a Pancyprian waste management network, which is in progress. The introduction of stricter fines for violation of environmental terms proceeded, as well as the presence of an environmental auditor in projects in or near Natura 2000 areas. The legislation is in the Legal Service for legislative scrutiny. Also, the process of completing the Management and Protection Decrees with a completion horizon of the end of 2025, which were pending since 2021, was launched, while actions to improve the process of due assessment have already been launched and are expected to be completed immediately.
In 2024 we supported ATA through the Waste Free Cyprus campaign with €1.55 million. Specifically, we cleaned 269 illegal landfills in 106 local authorities, effectively removing 21.55 m2 of garbage. At the same time, 59 inspectors were appointed, followed by the appointment of another 118 to prevent the recurrence of the phenomenon.
The Strategy for the Primary Sector was completed, focusing on the professional farmer, the utilization of new technology and the independence from weather conditions. The continuous evaluation of the Strategy by the Centre for Economic Research of the University of Cyprus ensures that our interventions have an impact on GDP and the wider economy. At the same time, the study on the adaptation of Cypriot agriculture to climate change will demonstrate the management of water-intensive and non-water-intensive crops, ensuring food security and sufficiency. All these are important innovations for Cyprus.
In the water sector, we developed for the first time a comprehensive plan with clear objectives and timetables aimed at the real independence of Cyprus from weather conditions: the National Water Investment Plan (April 2024), the Emergency Measures (July 2024) and the Programme of 28 Actions (November 2024). The successful organization of the MED9 Agriculture Ministers meeting in Cyprus led on our own initiative to a joint statement which constitutes the roadmap of the actions of the nine Member States on the issue of water scarcity and the impact on agriculture.
Key steps were taken in halloumi: the launch of a program with the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and the State Laboratory, the monitoring committees, the development of software for recording sheep and goat milk production and fair subsidy support based on production, are some of the steps that stand out.
The fortification of the RoC with flying means, within a short period of time, is another important achievement. Despite the fact that in 2024 there was no active contract, we secured the most primates our country has ever had, strengthening our readiness for challenges.
On the downsides, I note the issue of Akamas, which, due to its complexity, did not progress at the pace we wanted, but is scheduled to be taxied within 2025. In animal welfare, too, despite progress, problems with ATA and the failure to pass legislation on dogs, it has not led to the implementation of issues that are important to us, but which are on track for 2025.
EVALUATION OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
Good mood is not enough, there are many unfinished business
By Angelos Nicolaou
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, who assumed her duties in January 2024, was called upon to manage serious issues related to sustainable development and the protection of Cyprus' natural resources. Despite the challenges, its course so far shows a mixed picture, with positive steps and delays that may cause long-term problems.
One of the most important issues it is called upon to address is the management of the country's water resources. Efforts to reduce dependence on rainfall and exploit alternatives (such as desalination) are significant, but the risk of water shortages in summer 2026 remains real. Despite the announced actions to modernise infrastructure, the minister has not yet taken decisive action to fully strengthen water strategies, leaving room for uncertainty.
The issue of Akamas is even more worrying. The delay in the implementation of road construction projects and the postponement of the procedure, due to delays due to the Department of Forests, reveal the inability of the Minister to proceed with determination and speed in projects that have high ecological and developmental value. The indifference of competent departments to deadlines and the lack of coordination with other state agencies are delaying a process that should have been completed.
Finally, the halloumi issue and the delay in implementing measures to increase the sheep and goat milk quota show a corresponding lack of strict control and strategy to protect and strengthen Cypriot production. Non-compliance with the 2029 targets may have serious consequences for the sector, as well as for the rural communities that depend on it.
The minister, although she has moved forward with some important initiatives, does not seem to have tackled with sufficient determination the most serious problems of agriculture and the environment, leaving open fronts that require immediate and coordinated action before it is too late.
