The support of businesses for the adoption of more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, in the context of the green transition and sustainable development, was discussed by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panagiotou, with representatives of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCC) and the Federation of Employers & Industrialists (OEB).
According to an official announcement, at the meeting held yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture, present, among others, were the President Antonis Antoniou and the General Director Michalis Antoniou of OEB, the Secretary General Marios Tsiakkis of KEBE, the General Director of Agriculture and Rural Development Andreas Grigoriou and Senior General Director of Environment Iliana Tofa and other officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
The Minister underlined in principle the importance of the active participation and involvement of all interested parties in order to transition to a modern, circular and competitive economy with zero greenhouse gas emissions. The participation of business and industry in this effort of the green transition is of great importance, stressed Dr. Panagiotou.
During the meeting, the main practices affecting businesses in terms of the green transition were discussed, such as reducing emissions, sustainable production, promoting sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
As stated in the announcement, the representatives of OEB and KEBE pointed out the challenges faced by businesses in this effort, and put forward suggestions for businesses to be informed about the opportunities offered through the government's plans for the green transition, but also to undertake actions to upgrade and adapt to new requirements.
Referring to the "Grant Scheme to Encourage the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Enterprises", the Minister underlined that so far a significant number of enterprises have applied to receive funding. Despite this, he noted that the aim is to provide further support and information, and if necessary, to request an extension to the set deadline, so that more companies can benefit from the possibility of full funding to prepare a study and submit recommendations for actions to reduce emissions in the company.
The common goal, he added, is to understand the general principles of green entrepreneurship, but also to prioritize a series of changes, investments and adjustments that they should implement, in order to keep up with developments at the local, European and global level.
Finally, policies and measures for livestock waste, municipal waste, the reduction of emissions from livestock farming, as well as the investments required for the management of solid and liquid waste and the rehabilitation of waste disposal sites were discussed.
In closing, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment emphasized that the empowerment of the private sector in the fields of green entrepreneurship is one of the priorities of the Ministry to achieve the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Concluding, she pointed out that the competent departments of the Ministry will be at the disposal of the KEBE and the OEB to provide information and help in this effort, the announcement concludes.