Cyprus is taking steps towards becoming more environmentally friendly through initiatives like increasing renewable energy usage, promoting sustainable tourism, and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.
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Cyprus is making significant progress towards becoming a more environmentally friendly destination. The island nation has implemented various initiatives aimed at increasing renewable energy usage, promoting sustainable tourism, and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.
One of the most notable developments in Cyprus is the introduction of renewable energy sources. According to the Cyprus Institute, “Cyprus is blessed with an abundance of sunshine and wind, making it well-positioned to become a regional leader in renewable energy.” To this end, the government is investing heavily in solar energy projects, with plans to increase solar power production to 7% of the country’s total electricity consumption by 2020.
The country is also actively promoting sustainable tourism, through initiatives such as the Green Cyprus initiative and the EU’s Blue Flag programme. The former aims to encourage residents and visitors to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing water consumption and properly disposing of waste. The latter is a certification system that awards beaches and marinas that meet high environmental standards.
Furthermore, Cyprus has also made strides in waste reduction and recycling. In 2016, the government introduced a new recycling programme which allows residents to recycle a wide range of materials, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal. The programme also offers incentives for residents who recycle regularly.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, “The ultimate goal is to transform Cyprus into a cleaner and more sustainable country for the wellbeing of its citizens and visitors alike.”
As noted by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe, “Environmental pollution is the largest cause of disease and premature death in the world today.” Therefore, it is crucial that countries take concrete steps towards becoming more environmentally friendly. Cyprus’ efforts in this regard are commendable, and the country is likely to have a bright green future ahead.
To summarize, here is a table showcasing Cyprus’ efforts towards sustainability:
| Sustainability Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewable energy | Investing heavily in solar energy projects, aiming to increase solar power production to 7% of the country’s total electricity consumption by 2020. |
| Sustainable tourism | Promoting eco-friendly practices through the Green Cyprus initiative and the EU’s Blue Flag programme. |
| Waste reduction and recycling | Introducing a new recycling programme in 2016 which allows residents to recycle a wide range of materials and offers incentives for regular recycling. |
As aptly stated by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “We don’t have a Plan B because we don’t have a planet B.” It is vital that more countries follow in Cyprus’ footsteps towards becoming more environmentally conscious and sustainable.
Response video to “Will Cyprus Go Green?”
Cyprus became divided after tensions rose between the Greek and Turkish populations following the country’s independence from Britain, leading to a Greek-backed coup in 1974. Turkey intervened unilaterally to protect the Turkish minority, which embarrassed the military government in Greece and led to international condemnation when Turkey continued to push further across the island. The Turkish Cypriot administration was created, and many people were forced out of their homes and cleared from the north. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot government declared independence, which was only supported by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, the island remains divided today.
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