Friends Of The Earth Cyprus
Who are we ?
FoE-Cyprus was founded in 1980, as an independent environmental NGO. Currently the organization has app. 300 members, including institutional members such as schools, and private companies. FoE Cyprus is part of the Friends of the Earth International network, as well as a member of the Federation of Ecological and Environmental Organizations of Cyprus, and of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB).
What are our goals ?
The overall goal of the FoE Cyprus is to raise public awareness on the importance of preserving the natural environment, and to campaign for solutions to environmental problems, by promoting sustainable policies. As a member of the European Union, the Organization is committed to the principles and policies set out by the 6th Environmental Action Plan of the DG Environment of the European Union.
How do we implement them ?
The Organization actively campaigns on a number of local, regional and International environmental issues. One of the new challenges is the harmonization of Cyprus with the European Environmental Acquis, which includes the implementation of important legislation on subjects such as Biodiversity, Natura 2000, GMO and Water. Other areas of involvement include waste management and recycling, sustainable tourism, sustainable agriculture and food safety, climate and environmental education. Particular emphasis is given to the preservation and protection of two important ecosystems, the Akrotiti wetlands, and the Akamas Peninsula. These two ecosystems that provide habitat for millions of migrant birds every year, and host important species of indigenous plants, and wildlife, are threatened by military installations by the British Bases in Cyprus, and by unsustainable tourism and land development activities.
Our main concerns
FoE Cyprus is a partner to the European Community Centers project, coordinated by the University of Malta under the Grundvig program. This “bottom up” approach of strengthening the civil society and building democracy by drawing citizens and NGOs into the decision making process at the community level. The accomplishments of this pilot project in its first year have been very significant in promoting sustainable tourism and, among others, in supporting prevention and rehabilitation programs for drug users.