Newsroom
Efforts are underway to advance the inclusion of the Xeros and Dhiarizos river valleys in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, with a series of community-focused meetings recently held in Paphos District.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou, met last week with representatives from multiple local communities as part of the preparatory process for submitting the candidacy. Discussions took place at the Community Councils of Anarita and Statou–Agios Fotios, bringing together presidents of neighboring community councils from across the wider area.
The primary purpose of these meetings was to brief local authorities on the formal agreement that has been signed with the contractor responsible for preparing the UNESCO application file. Community leaders were also informed about the next steps in the process, including how they will contribute information through standardized forms.
These forms are intended to capture key aspects of each area’s profile, covering natural features, cultural heritage, historical background, and socio-economic characteristics. Communities are also being asked to identify local challenges and propose ideas that could strengthen the documentation supporting the biosphere reserve nomination.
In parallel, the Commissioner held separate consultations with key regional stakeholders, including senior representatives of the Paphos Aphrodite Development Company, the Paphos Regional Tourism Development and Promotion Company, and the coordinator representing the communities on biosphere reserve matters.
According to the Commissioner’s office, these discussions focused on coordination and collaboration among all involved parties, with the shared objective of ensuring a smooth progression of the candidacy and the effective implementation of the project moving forward.
