The Cypriot Parliament is expected to pass a constitutional amendment establishing the right to a healthy and sustainable environment before the Christmas and New Year recess. This amendment also guarantees procedural safeguards, such as access to environmental information and justice for environmental matters.

The issue was discussed today by the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee following a proposal by AKEL MP Aristos Damianou and a previous proposal by Green Party MP Charalambos Theopemptou.

DISY MP and Committee Chairman Nikos Tornaritis highlighted that more than 20 EU member states have already incorporated similar amendments into their constitutions. Tornaritis emphasized the urgency of environmental protection, calling it "a modern and top priority issue" and expressing his expectation that the amendment will be approved by Parliament before the holidays.

AKEL MP Aristos Damianou noted widespread support for enshrining the right to a healthy environment.

“This constitutional amendment places Cyprus among an elite group of nations that have institutionalized environmental protection at the constitutional level,” Damianou stated. “This is not just about securing our present but, more importantly, about ensuring the protection of future generations. Everything we do for the environment today will leave either a positive or negative legacy for those who follow.”

Damianou expressed optimism that the amendment will likely be passed by Parliament’s plenary session in December.

VOLT MP Alexandra Attalidou underscored the significance of this reform, stating that it directly impacts quality of life, health, and social relations.

“Rights such as access to clean water, air, and sustainable resources are critical, and their preservation is more urgent than ever,” she remarked.

Attalidou also referenced specific environmental issues in Cyprus that have affected citizens’ daily lives and well-being, including:

1. Astrasol factory operations.

2. Asphalt plants in the Idalion area.

3. The power station in Dhekelia.

She stressed that environmental protection promotes ecosystem sustainability, advances social justice, and boosts economic development.

“As a state and as politicians, we must implement policies and practices that combat climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation,” Attalidou concluded.