On the island of Cyprus, the Technical Committee on Environment works to raise awareness and address island wide environmental issues.

Part of their recent activity includes important discussions to exchange information across the divide and coordinate on ways to address pest infestation affecting citrus and pine trees on the island. Site visits to environmentally sensitive and important areas have been undertaken regularly, including to micro-preserves for native plant species.

Finally, a project to clear several water sources in the buffer zone will be implemented in the coming period. These water sources, such as small springs, have become clogged by debris and vegetation over time, hindering the ability of wildlife to drink during the hot summers, including the native and endangered moufflon.  

The Technical Committee on Environment’s ongoing projects include exploring the geological heritage of the island, encouraging youth participation in environmental caretaking and addressing poison use in wildlife areas via environmentally sensitive manners such as encouragement of barn owls. 

On this World Environment Day let us reaffirm our commitment to the Technical Committee on Environment and join the #GenerationRestoration to recognize that environmental challenges have no confines globally, regionally as well as locally and collective work is vital to overcome them.