Construction has begun on an important environmental project in the centre of Cyprus’s divided capital, Nicosia. The European Union is funding the work, which the United Nations is carrying out. The project will restore a part of the Pedieos River, called Kanlidere in Turkish, in the north of the city. The plan is to create a long, narrow park that runs for 3.7 kilometres. In the future, this park is designed to connect the two sides of the city, which have been separated by politics for decades.
This park is a key part of the EU’s support for the Turkish Cypriot community. Its main goal is to build trust. While it will repair the natural environment, its larger purpose is to improve relations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. European officials hope that by creating a shared public space along the river, the park will help reunite the city. They believe that working together to care for the environment and improving connections can build trust between people.
Planning for this project started several years ago. After a detailed study by the European Commission, the United Nations Development Programme finished the final design in late 2024. The launch of construction means the plans are now becoming reality. The first phase should be finished by February 2026.
This initial stage covers 1.2 kilometres. Workers have started preparing the site. They will build a basic path to access the river, which will include a two-way bicycle lane, a walking path, and a green area with plants. The design focuses on sustainable development, aiming to support local wildlife, reduce environmental damage, and give residents a place for recreation.
EU authorities have explained the project’s deep meaning. The European Commission said the plan is "aimed at bringing both communities together" to support peace and reconciliation. The EU office in Cyprus also stated that "creating common areas can develop inter-communal trust."
The long-term vision for the park is very ambitious. When fully complete, it should physically link the north and south of Nicosia near the existing Ledra Palace crossing in the UN buffer zone. This would create a continuous green route for leisure and travel. More importantly, it would symbolically connect the divided parts of the city.
Experts say the project’s effect could go beyond just environmental benefits. By creating a shared space that requires cooperation, it is a practical test of peacebuilding ideas. Although a full political solution for Cyprus is still difficult, this riverside park is a real investment in a shared future. It is based on the idea that working together on common projects can, over time, help heal deeper divisions.