An event was held at the Fotis Pitta Kokkinochorion High School, on the occasion of the school's inclusion in the ZERO WASTE TO LANDFILL environmental program.
The event was honored with their presence by the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Mrs. Athina Michailidou and the Commissioner of the Environment Mrs. Antonia Theodosiou.
The presentation of the program was made by Mr. Theodoulos Makrygianni, Director of the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
The same greeting of the Commissioner of the Environment Ms. Antonias Theodosiou:
It is a great pleasure for me to be here today, in front of an audience consisting mainly of children, students, young people, with vision, strength and will to shape a sustainable future for our country.
Honorable Minister, dear Ms. Michailidou, your presence here today is strong proof of your will to support the efforts of schools that cultivate environmental awareness and positive attitudes and behaviors towards the environment.
The Office of the Environment Commissioner, as part of its mission, organizes conferences, seminars and lectures and in this way tries to contribute to public awareness of environmental issues and to the cultivation of environmental consciousness and culture. In every opportunity we have to share thoughts, ideas and experiences and interact with audiences of all ages, we build bridges to understanding, collaboration and change for a better tomorrow. I think we are creating such a bridge today with you.
That is why I would like to thank the Director of the school, Mr. Antonis Stavrou, for the invitation and the organization of today's event and for the opportunity to present, together with the Director of the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr. Theodoulos Makrygiannis, the 'Zero Waste to Landfill' initiative as part of our wider aim to reduce waste.
Climate change is one of the most urgent and serious challenges facing our planet. The effects of climate change affect the environment, the economy, society and human health. That is why we all have a duty to react before it is too late. One of the most effective actions we can take is to reduce our carbon footprint, i.e. the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, which can be achieved through the adoption of sustainable practices such as recycling, composting and streamlining. waste management but also the limitation of unbridled consumerism.
Zero Waste to Landfill is a program that aims to do just that. It was announced by my predecessor and current Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr. Maria Panagiotou in April 2023 and is a joint initiative of First Lady Philippa Karseras Christodoulidis and the Office of the Commissioner of the Environment for the conversion of the Presidential Palace into a Zero Waste Building in landfills. The process of implementing the action at the Presidential Palace is at an advanced stage, while the effort has been transferred to all Ministries and Deputy Ministries.
We are happy to find that this initiative has started to be transferred to schools as well. The first school to join the program is Episkopi Limassol High School, in November. Today we are here at the second school to apply to join the program. The importance of schools' participation in "Zero Waste" is huge for both environmental and educational reasons. I am filled with hope that the schools, the nurseries of the future citizens of our country undertake initiatives and actions for the protection of the environment, in this way cultivating environmental awareness in children, inculcating good behaviors and habits as well as a sense of individual responsibility towards the environment.
Kokkinohoria Fotis Pitta High School, Frenaros, Cyprus
The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Dr. Athina Michaelidou addresses the presentation ceremony of the innovative and pioneering "Zero Waste to Landfill" program.
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Minister of Education – Presentation of the “Zero Waste to Landfill” Programme
“Fotis Pittas” Lyceum of Kokkinochoria, Frenaros, Cyprus
The Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr Athina Michaelidou, addresses the presentation of the "Zero Waste to Landfill" program.
In closing, I would like to congratulate the school management, the teachers and especially you students, for the initiative you are starting today. Your participation in the program will give you the opportunity to make your school a pioneer in sustainable waste management. And with every step you take towards achieving this goal, know that you are contributing to the protection of the environment and the preservation of nature for future generations. And I am sure that you will inspire other schools with your example.
Thank you and I wish you every success.