National action plan prepared to combat desertification

A national action plan has been prepared which includes mapping of vulnerable areas and actions and measures to address desertification and keep Cyprus green, the department of the environment said on Friday.

A huge proportion of Cyprus is in danger of becoming a desert, with disastrous consequences for crops, water quality and biodiversity, an announcement said.

The main factors contributing to desertification are climate change and anthropogenic activities.

The plan foresees measures and actions in all sectors and levels of stakeholders (citizens, businesses, government), to deal with the problem.

On the World Day to Combat Desertification and drought celebrated on June 17, the United Nations is implementing a plan to combat desertification.

The theme this year is to raise public awareness using the slogan ‘Rising up from drought together’.