DOWNTOWN Nicosia will come to a standstill on Saturday with the peak day of the European Pedestrian Week programme, which will take place in Cyprus from today up to September 22.
The European Union last week approved funding for 109 environmental innovation projects in 18 member states that will apply new technologies and projects to tackle environmental problems. Hazardous waste management, wastewater treatment, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and clean technologies were all on the list for funding. The EU also approved funding for 20 other environment projects under the LIFE Third Countries programme in 2004 totaling costs of up to 12.18 million euros.
Working under the LIFE programme, Cyprus has also been funded for its first co-ordinated effort to set up a sound management planning system for Natura 2000 in the country. A series of pilot actions in marine, mountain and lowland forests, grasslands, and wetlands will preserve bird and plant species in five different Natura 2000 sites. The 20 selected projects also have capacity building as their main objective — development of institutions, policies, monitoring tools, training facilities, networks and databases.
One of the first activities to be organised by Cyprus is Pedestrian Week, which focuses on a car-free environment and which was first introduced in 1998 in Paris under the title “A week in the town without my car”.
Speaking at a news conference, Agriculture Minister Timis Efthymiou expressed his delight at the car-free plan, which has the full backing of the government.
“The government believes this initiative will give the chance for Cypriot cities to show their interest for issues concerning the environment and the quality of life. More importantly, it gives the chance for the use of alternative methods of transport and also gives citizens the chance to understand the consequences of using various means of transportation.
“These are some of the reasons that we have turned towards the assistance of the city municipalities for this week and I am especially pleased by the good co-operation we have received so far.”
Also included is the introduction by the Nicosia Municipality of a scheme entitled “Safer roads for children”, which will be presented at primary schools.
The activities will peak on Saturday with the “Going to town without my car” programme which will be centrally staged on Makarios Avenue outside Marks and Spencer. Makarios Avenue, Leonidou Street, Evagorou Street, Stasandrou Street, Mnasiadou Street and Arnaldas Street will be closed to all motor vehicles except public transport from 9am to 3pm. During the day free t-shirts, hats and drinks will be offered by the municipality.
Free bus rides during those hours as well as free parking at the Davila, Constanza and Tripoli car parks will be available.
