Nicosia, Cyprus. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou planted trees near Nicosia’s Kaloyeros river on Saturday, saying such actions send a message about protecting the environment. She said urban greenery is a critical tool for adapting to climate change.
Urban greenery and climate pressures
Panayiotou said urban greenery is no longer only an aesthetic element, but contributes to reducing extreme temperatures, improving air quality, and protecting public health. She said Cyprus is experiencing more intense heatwaves and increased pressure on water resources due to climate change, adding that enhancing urban greenery is an immediate priority.
Kaloyeros river’s role in the city
She described the Kaloyeros river as a valuable natural axis within Nicosia’s urban fabric and a living ecological corridor with significant biodiversity that improves the microclimate and offers cooling for the city. She said interventions such as creating a linear path and tree planting can strengthen the relationship between the public and nature and reintegrate natural space into daily city life.
Link to Athalassa national park
Panayiotou said the river’s connection with the Athalassa national park is of particular importance, creating a single ecological green corridor.
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