Over 400 saplings and shrubs planted in Cape Greco

More than 400 native species of saplings and shrubs were planted on Saturday in the Cape Greco area, in a location that was previously a landfill.

According to a statement from the Municipality of Ayia Napa, “the tree-planting event took place as part of a joint initiative by Eurobank and Hellenic Bank, in the presence of the Commissioner for the Environment, Antonia Theodosiou.”

The activity was carried out by a team of volunteers from both banks in the Cape Greco area, under the guidance of the Department of Forests and the Cyprus Forestry Association, the statement added.

In her address, Ms. Theodosiou “thanked Hellenic Bank for once again funding, in collaboration with her office, an initiative that is not simple but highly complex, and was organized in coordination with the Department of Forests and the Cyprus Forestry Association.”

She explained that “this initiative consists of two key aspects: one involves planting native species of saplings and shrubs in an area that was formerly a landfill and is currently undergoing restoration, with significant work already completed.”

“The tree planting is part of this landfill restoration process,” she added.

Ms. Theodosiou further noted that “another project is underway in the Cape Greco forest park, involving the construction of dry-stone walls, known as ‘domes,’ which will be planted with native flowers and aromatic plants, contributing to the preservation of the landscape.”

In his remarks, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannetou, “thanked the organizers and volunteers for their significant efforts, as this area had been a landfill for over 20 years.”

“We hope that, through this initiative, the area will turn green, and the tree planting will become an annual tradition. Actions like these, whether from private individuals or corporate initiatives, support the work of the Municipality of Ayia Napa,” he said.

He also noted that “in recent years, more than 3,500 trees have been planted, and the Municipality aims to continue reforestation efforts in this crucial area, which is visited by thousands of tourists who come to see the sea caves—one of Ayia Napa’s key landmarks.”

The CEOs of the two banks, Andreas Petsas and Giorgos Christodoulides, “expressed their gratitude to Commissioner Theodosiou and Mayor Zannetou for their presence at the event, as well as to the organizers, volunteers, and especially the parents who encouraged their children to participate in the tree-planting.”

They added that by involving children in such activities, “we will increase the number of volunteers available to us and instill in the younger generation a love for trees, nature, and the environment.”