Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Cyprus’ political parties, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot alike, set aside politics this week to tackle a threat that doesn’t care who governs which side of the island: the climate.
Meeting on Tuesday at the Ledra Palace Hotel under the long-running Slovak-hosted bicommunal dialogue, party leaders swapped warnings about wildfires, water shortages, crop failures, and polluted coastlines. The theme, presented by Volt Cyprus, was blunt: “There is no other Cyprus, and the environment cannot wait for a solution to the Cyprus problem.”
And for once, everyone agreed.
Representatives from both communities said the island is already paying the price for delays and half-measures. From massive blazes to torrential rainfall and shrinking water reserves, they noted that environmental disasters are hitting harder and more often and ignoring the Green Line entirely.
The message: the climate crisis won’t pause while politicians argue over the future of the island.
Seven areas where cooperation can start now
The group outlined a series of practical steps where the two sides could immediately work together, no political settlement required.
1. Joint response to wildfires and extreme weather
With the EU planning a new firefighting hub in Cyprus, party leaders insisted it must serve the entire island, activated by technical need, not political sensitivities. They called for upgrading the Bicommunal Committee on Crisis Management so it can run joint drills, share protocols, and train volunteers.
2. Waste management and recycling
From plastics to electronic waste, representatives urged the creation of bicommunal treatment facilities and EU-backed projects to tackle the island’s mounting trash problem.
3. Island-wide environmental monitoring
The parties want the two sides’ institutions, plus civil society groups, to collect and share data on air, water, and soil quality, as well as early-warning signs for pollution and natural hazards.
4. Water management and climate resilience
Drought planning, efficient irrigation, flood protection, and climate-friendly farming were highlighted as areas where both sides could benefit from sharing expertise and building infrastructure together.
5. Protecting biodiversity and natural habitats
Migratory birds, forests, wetlands, and marine ecosystems all require island-wide protection. Representatives said coordination is essential if Cyprus is to prevent further loss of biodiversity.
6. Expanding renewables smartly
They pushed for joint renewable energy projects, especially solar and waste-to-energy initiatives, while making sure installations don’t damage sensitive ecosystems or agricultural land.
7. Harmonising laws with the EU environmental acquis
Adopting EU standards across the island, they argued, would instantly upgrade environmental performance and make technical cooperation smoother.
“The environment doesn’t stop at the buffer zone”
Many of these areas already fall under the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Environment, but representatives said the committee’s potential has been wasted due to shifting political winds and limited authority. They urged both leaders to strengthen the committee and give it the power to produce real results.
They also welcomed the committee’s recent proposals on solid waste management, calling them a sign that meaningful cooperation is not only possible but overdue.
In a joint call to the two leaders, the parties stressed that environmental cooperation builds trust, boosts resilience, and serves every person on the island, regardless of community.
Their next bicommunal meeting is set for January 28, hosted by the Slovak Embassy, with UNFICYP chief Khassim Diagne expected as guest speaker.
