On Wednesday 2nd December 2020, young diaspora Cypriots around the world came together for an online discussion on ‘Cyprus: Blue Growth & Climate Change’. The event was co-hosted by NEPOMAK; the Presidential Commissioner of Cyprus, Photis Photiou; and the Environmental Commissioner of Cyprus, Klelia Vasiliou.
The purpose of the event was to familiarise the Cypriot diaspora with the environmental challenges facing Cyprus and the efforts being made on the island to combat these challenges. It also created an opportunity for NEPOMAK members and environmental experts to share ideas and look at ways to cooperate to assist Cyprus’ efforts against climate change.
What is blue growth?
Blue growth is a strategy that has become a vital part of the UN and EU’s climate change agenda. It emphasises the sustainable development of the maritime sector, oceans, and rivers in an effort to protect biodiversity and the environment. As an island with a thriving and diverse blue/maritime economy, blue growth is an important part of Cyprus’ economic future.
Dr Xenia Loizidou and Dr Michael Ierides
Two of Cyprus’ leading environmental experts Dr Xenia Loizidou, Chair of the Board of Directors of AKTI, and Dr Michael Ierides, Secretary General of the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association, gave presentations explaining the concept of blue growth and highlighted some of the key initiatives taking place in Cyprus. The presenters described the severe consequences of climate change for Cyprus including desertification, water scarcity, unbearable summer temperatures, reduced agricultural output, and damage to Cyprus’ ecosystem.
They emphasised that blue growth is vitally important for Cyprus and explained that substantial initiatives and projects are already underway on the island. They highlighted successful local initiatives such as ‘Ocean Heroes’, ‘the Seanergy Project’, ‘Fishing for Litter’, as well as efforts to support maritime ecosystems such as submerged reefs, and biodiversity conservation projects.
Following the presentations, NEPOMAK members had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues with Dr Loizidou and Dr Ierides. There were also discussions on Cyprus’ progress on the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the role that the Cypriot diaspora can play in helping Cyprus on environmental issues, and how locals and tourists should help clean up litter that they see on beaches.
Opening remarks
During his welcome remarks, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou highlighted the initiatives that the Government of Cyprus has taken on climate change and its proactive approach to the 2015 Paris Agreements.
Mr Photiou also praised NEPOMAK for their engagement and passion about environmental issues and said that it’s important to “share the challenges and problems that Cyprus faces with our compatriots in the Cypriot diaspora.” On blue growth specifically, he noted that it presents a “practical solution that allows growth, whilst minimising threats to the environment.”
Cyprus’ Environmental Commissioner, Klelia Vasiliou, echoed Mr Photiou’s comments about the diaspora’s engagement on climate change and said that a lot can be achieved by the Cypriot Government, environmental experts and the diaspora working closely together. She also paid tribute to Dr Loizidou and Dr Ierides for their environmental activism and efforts to protect Cyprus’ biodiversity.
Christos Tuton, President of NEPOMAK, who chaired the event, said that “as passionate and invested diaspora Cypriots, we (NEPOMAK) want to help Cyprus on environmental issues and support the Cypriot Government’s initiatives on climate change.”
He also noted the importance of the issues being discussed and warned that “climate change could negatively impact Cyprus in ways that would fundamentally change the island that we know and love.”
NEPOMAK is the World Federation of Young Overseas Cypriots and has branches in the UK, USA, Australia & New Zealand, Greece, Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and continental Europe. The organisation is run day-to-day by volunteers across the world, motivated by their love for Cyprus and the Cypriot diaspora.
Website: www.nepomak.org
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @NEPOMAK
