A total of 370 trees are being planted in the Prophitis Elias area of Oroklini on Monday near a picnic site as the community steps up efforts to increase its green areas.

Monday’s tree planting event comes two days after Athienou municipality spearheaded a campaign to plant 550 trees.

Oroklini community leader Neophytos Fakontis said Monday’s tree planting on an elevation overlooking Larnaca Bay was achieved thanks to close cooperation with the forestry department. “Our aim is to turn a lot of areas green with tree planting not only at Prophitis Elias but elsewhere in the community,” he told the Cyprus News Agency.

The road leading up to the chapel of Prophitis Elias, up to where construction is permitted, has been completed by the community council which also build pavements. The final phase to the project was Monday’s tree planting with carob, sycamore and mastic trees which grow to about three metres high as well as cypress and oleander.

Last year, a total of 700 trees were planted in Oroklini and 185 green areas created. Another four are being created this year as new plots are divided. “The effort is for the Prophitis Elias elevation to be plated with tall trees and for this reason some were bought from private nurseries,” Fakontis said.

The area has a picnic site with drinking water, games, tables and benches, public toilets and lighting, powered by photovoltaics. Fakontis said more toys for younger children are to be added, as well as more benches and dust bins.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis, Volunteerism Commissioner Yiannis Yiannaki and Athienou Mayor Kyriakos Kareklas joined volunteers who planted 550 trees on Sapouna hill at the entrance of Athienou on Saturday.

Athienou Municipality is planning for another 2,000 trees to be planted.