Disy ploughs ahead with one million tree planting goal

Initiative includes planting a tree for every new-born baby

A tree planting initiative to plant one million trees withing three years aims to sow the seeds of hope for a “better and united Cyprus” and strengthen the human-nature connection.

Ruling party Disy has started implementing its initiative as part of the party’s environmental policy and contribution towards what it says is the achievement of the national targets in line with the EU 2030 Climate Target Plan.

“The main goal is the environment…but for us it is also important to bring people close to nature again, and to build a Cypriot mentality that they must work for the environment,” the coordinator for the initiative Demos Georgiades told the Cyprus Mail.

The emphasis is on young people, Georgiades said, but anyone can participate in the various tree plantings that are scheduled using party funds for the purchase of the saplings.

“It is time we understand that humanity is threatened by climate change, and we must do at least the basics so we can re-establish the love for nature,” the 26-year-old added.

Last month, the party organised six tree planting events, two of which were in communities afflicted by the recent catastrophic fires that started in Arakapas.

The event took place on October 24 in the area where the blaze started as well as in Eptagonia, while more events took place in Lofou, Aglandjia, Stasikratous and Lefkara in the same month.

“In the coming weeks we plan to collaborate with individual farmers from the fire afflicted areas who lost fruit trees to try and finance some saplings for them,” the politician said. The “worst fire in living memory” according to the state, destroyed an area of around 55 square kilometres, which included houses, businesses, pine forest, crops and left 10 communities reeling.

Despite the focus on the above communities, the initiative is island-wide.

According to Georgiades, among the party’s goals is a future collaboration with the authorities in the north to expand the one million trees initiative there.

From lemon, orange and olive trees to pine and cypresses, the trees will act as “seeds of hope” for a better and united Cyprus, the leader of the party Averof Neophytou had said in March when he announced the project.

Disy is also planning to establish parks in every municipality of the republic where residents can plant a tree for every new-born.

“Every parent will be able to receive a sapling for free with the birth certificate, to plant it in the area that will be assigned by the municipality,” Georgiades explained.

“We want the child to feel that they are growing together with the tree.”

The party is in close collaboration with the forestry department to coordinate the location and type of the tree plantings in respect to the biodiversity, but also the local authorities concerning watering and maintenance.