We must properly manage the areas of Cyprus included in the Natura2000 network and other rural and traditionally man-made landscape areas the Office of the Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou said on Wednesday in a press release, on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The Commissioner noted that our future lies in changing our relationship with mother earth and only if we re-establish this relationship will we be able to live in harmony and balance, without nature being endangered by humans and consequently neither humans from nature.

She said that our efforts need to be aimed at the sustainable use of natural resources, the introduction of environmentally clean technologies, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources, as well as the prevention, control and mitigation of pollution.

It is also noted that her Office is working on proposals to improve the legal status regarding civil society's access to Justice for actions that damage the environment, and has launched actions, on a pilot basis, through synergies with local communities to assist their evolution into climate neutral areas.

It is reminded that a guide for a national standard and/or climate neutrality guide has been launched, in collaboration with other competent bodies and the Cyprus Organization for Standardization, and workshops and lectures are also being organized.

The Environment Commissioner also said that Cyprus  experiences prolonged periods of low rainfall, severe weather incidents, rapid loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion and land desertification and therefore the need to implement a strategy against soil sealing and conducting projects that restore nature and are environmentally friendly is urgent.