The ENGAGE – “Do Your Part for Peace” project, managed by the Management Centre and the NGO Support Centre, funded by the UNDP ACT Program, held an open discussion titled “Climate Change, Desertification and Water in Cyprus” to celebrate World Water Day. The event was a success with increased interest from organisations and individuals who are concerned about environmental issues and more specifically the water problem and the danger of desertification in Cyprus.
Management Centre ENGAGE Project Coordinator Mehmet Harmancı stated in his opening speech that although Cyprus faces many environmental challenges, perhaps the greatest of all these challenges are the ones related to climate change, desertification and water. He explained that the aim of this open discussion was to raise awareness among everyone in both communities, and help mobilize people across the divide for a shared solution towards these challenges.
During the event, a representative from the Water Task Force of the Environment Technical Committee also announced the imminent implementation of the first island wide water awareness campaign. Professor Manfred A. Lange, specialist in the field of utilisation of renewable energy sources, energy and water use efficiency in the sustainable built environment and the assessment of climate change impacts, presented an analysis of the potential short, medium and long term effects of climate change on Cyprus. Other topics of discussion throughout the evening ranged from the frightening aspects of potential desertification of Cyprus to desalinisation methods and the need to update current methods of agricultural irrigation to switching to sustainable agriculture which uses less water. The discussion finally underlined the need for a comprehensive water policy towards the future of Cyprus.
Prof. Lange explained that renewable energy sources are a perfect option for Cyprus and he presented facts where a 25 km2 area would perfectly cover the amount of energy required by the entire island of Cyprus. Hence, Prof. Lange stressed that this option must simply not be overlooked.
After Lange’s speech, participants contributed to the discussion with questions and suggestions.
In closing of the event, NGO Support Centre director Michalis Avraam with some concluding remarks thanked everyone for their attendance, and expressed his hope that this event will be the step for more actions and for common strategies on environment for a better future for our children and a shared effort by all communities. Michalis Avraam finally stated that the findings of this event would be taken further by incorporating them into future activities.
Management Centre ENGAGE Project Coordinator Mehmet Harmancı stated in his opening speech that although Cyprus faces many environmental challenges, perhaps the greatest of all these challenges are the ones related to climate change, desertification and water. He explained that the aim of this open discussion was to raise awareness among everyone in both communities, and help mobilize people across the divide for a shared solution towards these challenges.
During the event, a representative from the Water Task Force of the Environment Technical Committee also announced the imminent implementation of the first island wide water awareness campaign. Professor Manfred A. Lange, specialist in the field of utilisation of renewable energy sources, energy and water use efficiency in the sustainable built environment and the assessment of climate change impacts, presented an analysis of the potential short, medium and long term effects of climate change on Cyprus. Other topics of discussion throughout the evening ranged from the frightening aspects of potential desertification of Cyprus to desalinisation methods and the need to update current methods of agricultural irrigation to switching to sustainable agriculture which uses less water. The discussion finally underlined the need for a comprehensive water policy towards the future of Cyprus.
Prof. Lange explained that renewable energy sources are a perfect option for Cyprus and he presented facts where a 25 km2 area would perfectly cover the amount of energy required by the entire island of Cyprus. Hence, Prof. Lange stressed that this option must simply not be overlooked.
After Lange’s speech, participants contributed to the discussion with questions and suggestions.
In closing of the event, NGO Support Centre director Michalis Avraam with some concluding remarks thanked everyone for their attendance, and expressed his hope that this event will be the step for more actions and for common strategies on environment for a better future for our children and a shared effort by all communities. Michalis Avraam finally stated that the findings of this event would be taken further by incorporating them into future activities.
2 comments:
hellooooooooooooooo
selamlarrrrr ne guzel bir entry bu boyleeee
Post a Comment