Nicosia, 5 June 2006 - Desertification, the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, is of particular concern in Cyprus. The island faces a number of environmental threats, such as a worsening water balance, due to factors such as agricultural activity, climate change and development. In addition, Cyprus faces an erosion problem, stemming from mining and quarrying as well as coastal tourist developments, which also pose a threat to sensitive environmental habitats.
Organised by the UNDP initiative, Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT), Eco Forum – World Environment Day 2006 will create an opportunity for Cypriots to come together to discuss how they can protect their common environmental assets and heritage. Eco Forum provides a platform this year for discussion on water issues in Cyprus, the impact of business on the environment and the relationship between environmental NGOs and the media. The three day environmental fair will seek to forge new partnerships and stimulate ideas for implementing potential solutions to environmental problems on the island.
According to Andrew Russell, Programme Manager of ACT: “Eco Forum World Environment Day 2006 offers an opportunity for Cypriots to take stock of the environment and its importance in our daily lives. The livelihoods of all of us who are fortunate enough to live on this island depend upon a healthy environment. Action for Cooperation and Trust is committed to helping Cypriots to work together to tackle the challenges of protecting and nurturing Cyprus’ unique and unitary eco-system.”
The Eco Forum will begin on 5 June with a series of lectures on Deserts and Desertification in the morning, followed in the afternoon by lectures on the UN Global Compact’s environmental principles and their relevance to the business community in Cyprus. In the morning of 6 June a workshop on corporate social responsibility will bring together Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Business leaders to discuss how Cypriot business can protect the island’s environment. The afternoon workshop will explore how the media and NGOs can work together to improve environmental awareness.
Eco Forum World Environment Day 2006 is an open event, which will take place on 5-6 June at the Holiday Inn in Nicosia. For further information please contact: Nicolas Jarraud or Christopher Louise at: +357 22 87 47 77. More information on the themes of Environment Day 2006 can be found at www.unglobalcompact.org and www.unep.org/wed/2006.
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