Cyprus has taken a proactive step towards addressing climate change and sustainable energy goals with the initiation of a public consultation process for revising its National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030. The Department of Environment under the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, along with the Directorate General of Development from the Ministry of Finance, have jointly announced this crucial initiative. The National Energy and Climate Plans play a pivotal role in outlining the strategies of EU member states to achieve their energy and climate targets by 2030.

As part of the public consultation, a Public Presentation of the draft revision is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 08:45, at the Events Hall of the Ministry of Finance. This forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders, experts, and the general public to engage actively and contribute valuable insights towards shaping the nation's approach to sustainability and environmental protection.

You can provide comments, suggestions, or observations to the Department of Environment in two ways. Firstly, you can submit them by mail to the Director of the Department of Environment at the following address: Department of Environment, 1498 Nicosia. Alternatively, you can send your feedback electronically via email to [email protected] or by fax to the number 22774945. For any clarifications or inquiries related to this matter, feel free to reach out to Dimitris Psyllides, the Environmental Officer, at the contact number 22409103 or through the email address [email protected].

The revision of the National Energy and Climate Plan is a timely move, considering the significant changes at both European and national levels since the initial submission in 2020. Cyprus is committed to enhancing its efforts to combat climate change, with increased targets for emission reduction from -24% to -32% by 2030. By incorporating public feedback and expert opinions, the revised plan aims to develop more robust policies, fostering the adoption of renewable energy sources and advancing the country's transition to a greener and more sustainable future.

It is noteworthy that public consultation plays a vital role in promoting transparency, inclusivity, and collective responsibility towards sustainable energy initiatives. By involving citizens, businesses, and organizations in the decision-making process, such initiatives gain broader acceptance and support. The public's participation enables policymakers to consider a wide range of perspectives, resulting in more well-rounded and effective strategies. Additionally, it fosters a sense of ownership among citizens, encouraging them to actively contribute to the nation's sustainability goals. Ultimately, public consultations pave the way for a greener and more resilient future, where the collective efforts of all stakeholders drive positive change for current and future generations.