**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – As the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region grapples with escalating environmental pressures, a series of inspiring grassroots initiatives are emerging from the heart of Cyprus. Residents in the rural Larnaca district, particularly in the picturesque mountain villages of Kato Drys and Pano Lefkara, are spearheading their own responses to the palpable impacts of climate change, demonstrating a potent blend of community spirit and practical environmental stewardship. This groundswell of local action is not only addressing immediate ecological concerns but also fostering a deeper civic engagement in a region increasingly defined by arid conditions and soaring temperatures.
The impetus for these community-led efforts stems from a stark reality: Cyprus is recognised as a significant climate change hotspot. The tangible consequences, including prolonged periods of drought and a discernible upward trend in ambient temperatures, have spurred a proactive stance among those most directly affected. In Pano Lefkara, a hub for this burgeoning movement, a Socrates Café group convenes weekly. These informal gatherings, held in welcoming spaces such as the House 1923 coffee shop or the Mola Culture Factory, serve as a vital forum for residents to deliberate on a spectrum of everyday concerns, with climate-related challenges frequently forming a core element of their discourse. Stas Balaur, secretary of the Socrates Café group, highlights the ethos of these meetings: "We aim to cultivate an environment of open inquiry, where a single, pertinent question can ignite a rich, equitable discussion, drawing on the collective wisdom of our community."
Beyond the realm of dialogue, tangible action is also taking root. In the village of Alassa, the scars left by a devastating wildfire last July are being actively mended. The community council, in collaboration with the political party AKEL and with crucial support from the Department of Forests, recently organised a significant tree-planting drive. This initiative, designed to re-establish vegetation in areas ravaged by the blaze, underscores a commitment to ecological restoration. Andreas Shoshilos, a former mayor of Lefkara and a prominent figure within the local cultural association and the Cyprus Greens, has been instrumental in galvanising such efforts. He champions the planting of indigenous, drought-resistant species, a strategic choice aimed at ensuring the saplings’ survival amidst the region's increasingly challenging climatic conditions and minimising the reliance on scarce water resources.
These local endeavours are increasingly being amplified and supported by broader research collaborations. Programmes funded by the EU’s ‘Horizon Europe’ initiative, involving academics from the Cyprus Institute alongside German and Finnish researchers, are providing a scientific underpinning to these community-driven projects. This synergistic approach, combining academic expertise with the intimate knowledge and commitment of local residents, is proving to be a potent model for environmental resilience. The Alassa tree-planting event, for instance, benefited from the Department of Forests supplying saplings free of charge, illustrating how inter-agency cooperation can bolster grassroots initiatives.
The impact of these village-level actions extends far beyond the immediate geographical scope of the Larnaca district. By actively participating in environmental restoration and fostering robust public discourse on climate change, these communities are setting a compelling precedent. They are not only contributing to the expansion of green coverage and the enhancement of Cyprus's environmental protection measures but are also reinforcing the fundamental principles of grassroots democracy. In an era where global challenges often feel overwhelming, these Cypriot villages are proving that meaningful change can, and indeed must, begin at home, fostering a tangible sense of agency and collective responsibility in the face of a warming world.