Nationwide tree planting campaign introduced today

A nationwide tree planting campaign called “Cyprus Green Again,” led by the Presidency, has been introduced to the public at the Presidential Complex.

The campaign calls on the public to take part in one of 18 tree planting events to be held simultaneously on April 1. The plan is to hold the campaign annually.

The project is a joint venture of the Ministry of National Education, the Department of Forestry and municipalities.

The campaign also aims to promote sustainability, protect and expand natural habitats and emphasize the importance of tree planting.

President Tufan Erhürman said the campaign was a testament to the ability of the Presidency, local governments and the central government to come together for initiatives that would benefit the country.

He said the project was also an initiative that demonstrated the solidarity of the community. “No one can tell us ‘you can’t do this; nothing will come out of you’,” Erhürman said, adding, “Building a more livable country for children is a shared responsibility.”

-Harmancı

Mehmet Harmancı, the Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality, speaking on behalf of local governments, said the Mediterranean Basin was under threat from climate change and that with the oncoming drought the importance of afforestation and fresh water had become more evident.

Nilden Bektaş Erhürman, the wife of President Erhürman, said “Cyprus Green Again” went beyond being just a slogan and was a statement of intent.

Referring to anecdotes that the Mesarya (plains of central Cyprus) were once covered with trees, she said climate change and the depletion of fresh water resources were the main contributors to today’s situation.

She said individuals would be able to choose a planting area through a link that will be sent to mobile phones.