We aim to strengthen regional cooperation with neighboring countries to address the serious effects of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, said today the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panagiotou.
In her greeting at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on the Climate Crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, which is being held today and tomorrow in Larnaca, by the Cyprus Institute and the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts, the Minister stated that "in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, we are directly affected by the climate crisis
He added that "rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and pressure on natural resources are no longer distant threats, but realities that require our immediate and coordinated response."
The Minister referred to Cyprus' efforts to address the climate crisis and said that these "target two main and interrelated pillars, climate change mitigation and adaptation to climate change" by achieving its decarbonisation targets as outlined in the National Plan for Energy and Climate 2021 – 2030.
He added that this Plan “is a transformative project that affects every sector – energy, transport, agriculture, waste management, urban planning and land use. One of its central goals is to reduce Cyprus' dependence on fossil fuels by expanding the use of solar and wind energy."
"We are making significant progress in promoting solar photovoltaic systems, which are particularly suited to our sunny climate, while encouraging the use of energy-efficient technologies in buildings and transport systems to reduce emissions," he noted.
The transition to a circular economy, the Environment Minister continued, “is another critical element of our National Energy and Climate Plan, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing the circular economy. This includes strategies to reduce waste in agriculture while also working to improve recycling infrastructure and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill."
It also said that "the transition to a carbon-neutral society requires significant investment, technological innovation and public commitment to adopt new practices."
"The scale of this transformation is unprecedented and while we are fully committed to achieving our goals, we must also recognize that this path will have its challenges," he said.
In her greeting, the Minister of Agriculture also mentioned that Cyprus has made "significant steps forward in the promotion of renewable energy sources, but the full infrastructure required for the complete transition is under development". "Modernizing our energy grid and transportation systems will require not only significant financial resources, but also cooperation at both the political and public/private levels to advance these efforts," he added.
Dr. Panagiotou also referred to the fact that "we have to focus on adapting to the immediate effects we already have. Cyprus is no stranger to water scarcity, extreme temperatures and land degradation, and these challenges are expected to intensify as climate change progresses."
At the same time he referred to the National Adaptation Strategy, which he said "focuses on building resilience in all critical areas, including water management, agriculture, biodiversity, land use and infrastructure".
After stating that "we must prepare for the changing climate and ensure that our natural resources, communities and economy can withstand the effects that are already being felt" the Minister also spoke about water scarcity which is "one of the most pressing issues facing Cyprus today".
Ms. Panagiotou referred to the Drought Management Plan, which will ensure the sustainable use of Cyprus' limited water resources, as well as the high water dependence of the agricultural sector.
He referred to measures being taken, including implementing efficient irrigation systems and encouraging the use of drought-resistant crops, actions that he explained "are necessary to maintain agricultural productivity and ensure food security in a climate-stressed future." .
Protecting our natural ecosystems is also a priority, said Dr. Panagiotou, adding that "the Ministry is working to implement measures to combat desertification, which is a growing concern in Cyprus. These include reforestation projects, the use of plant barriers to prevent soil erosion and the sustainable management of agricultural land to protect its long-term viability.'
The National Energy and Climate Plan, he noted, “gives us a clear road map for decarbonisation, while the National Adaptation Strategy ensures we are ready to face the immediate challenges of climate change. Together, these plans represent Cyprus' comprehensive response to the climate crisis, but we must remain flexible, realistic and prepared to adapt our approach as we move forward."
The Minister of Agriculture also stated that "Cyprus cannot fight climate change alone. The challenges we face are common across the region and the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative is a testament to our commitment to regional cooperation. By working with our neighbors, we are building synergies to better understand and mitigate the unique climate challenges we face collectively.”
Our goal, he continued, is "in the coming months to strengthen regional cooperation with neighboring countries to address the serious effects of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. This initiative is key to ensuring our collective resilience and preparedness," he stressed.
Cyprus was concluded by Dr. Panagiotou "is committed to leading by example, balancing ambition with realism and promoting the necessary actions to ensure a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for all".
Source: KYPE