International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, expresses its disregard for the situation and the response of the government and the Cyprus society against the problems of disable people.

Unfortunately, situations and practices of previous decades, still exist now. Disabled people are not yet fully considered within development issues. They are still excluded from society, work and social events. Even where effective disability legislation is in place, the implementation lacks ideas and is hindered by negative attitudes towards disabled people.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to promote:

• an understanding of disability issues
• the rights of persons with disabilities
• gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities.

The Day provides an opportunity to mobilize action to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

Facebook video a violation of child’s rights

COMMISSIONER for Children’s Rights, Leda Koursoumba yesterday branded the video of a child waving a toy gun around and parroting his grandfather’s call to shoot Turks and communists, as a flagrant violation of the four-year-old boy’s rights.

“Any training or guidance should prepare the child for a responsible life in a free society in the spirit of understanding,” said Koursoumba.

The video was posted two weeks ago on Facebook by the boy’s grandfather, a senior official in the public service. However within minutes of the story being broadcast on CyBC on Tuesday night, the video was removed from the sight of the general public.

Those who saw it before it was removed said the video airs a man’s voice – believed to be the child’s grandfather - prompting the boy to repeat that he was going to shoot Turks and communists and ‘long-live the [Greek] junta’, which instigated the coup in Cyprus in 1974.

Koursoumba called the video a “flagrant violation” of the child’s rights, claiming that it is the state’s responsibility to intervene and protect the boy when a child’s parents and family instills racist and fascist comments. She also called for the involvement of the welfare services.

According to police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos the police chief issued orders as soon as they found out about the video, and sent the file to the Attorney-general’s office to see if criminal charges were warranted. He also highlighted that the Attorney-general might want to involve the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights and the Department of Social Services.

(Cyprus Mail)

Lost, found or need to be rehomed animals

Thousands of adorable pets are abandoned every year, left alone without care and food by their owners.

Christiana Mandriotou has opened a group on facebook with hundreds of pictures of abandoned animals looking for a new home.

So, we call upon your sentimental feelings. Please, if you can have a lovely pet at home, take a look at this PAGE. You will find all information needed for the pet of your choice.

Thank you in advance

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Millions of Songbirds Killed for Recipe

Parts of Europe are now "death traps" for migrating songbirds, according to the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), which reports that millions of birds are illegally poached each year -- literally. The birds are often either pickled or poached for a Cypriot "delicacy" called ambelopoulia.
Pickled songbird might not sound appetizing to everyone but, like shark fin soup, bird's nest soup and turtle dishes, it's part nutrition, part adventure and part folk remedy for those who consume it. The dish is expensive and involves illegal practices but, due to poor regulation of laws protecting songbirds, it can still be found in many restaurants.
One restaurant owner with ambelopoulia on his menu likens it to Viagra.
(Blackcap bird, commonly found in ambelopoulia; Credit: Jakub Stanco)




According to the CABS, up to 10 million songbirds are illegally killed each year, often for this dish. The poachers may prepare it themselves or, more likely, sell the birds to restaurants and others who deal in this illegal trade. A single songbird may sell for around $3.60.
In addition to outright shooting the birds, poachers will kill them in all sorts of horrific ways, as videotaped by the CABS and reported on recently by The New Yorker.
Methods include:

• playing recordings of songbird calls to lure the birds into traps
• mist nets that trap the birds mid-flight (each net costs about $120 and thousands are smuggled into Cyprus)
• use of lime-sticks

A lime-stick is a twig that the poacher coats with a gray colored "glue," made from boiling fruits from the Syrian plum-tree. The coated stick is then tucked away where songbirds might land to rest. Once a bird lands on the lime-stick it cannot remove itself.
Struggling for hours, the birds hang and flap upside down, sometimes dying in the attempt to free themselves. Poachers later check their sticks and will kill any birds that are still alive. Images and more information about these hunting techniques are at this 10,000 Birds page.
The economic crisis in Greece and in other countries has only made matters worse. In addition to Cyprus, illegal songbird poaching is common in Malta and Italy, countries where the CABS sets up bird protection camps in the summer and autumn months, attempting to save as many birds as they can.
The illegal traps catch anything that lands on them, or flies into them, so many endangered species, such as certain owls, also become bycatch victims.
All of this comes at a time when animal welfare issues are just beginning to take root in Cyprus.
"The Cypriot government has laws readily available to be enforced that involve the welfare of animals, and dogs in particular, however, the infrastructure in dealing with issues of animal welfare is still in the very early stages," said Alexia Zalaf, a University of Leicester researcher who is hoping to improve animal welfare in Cyprus and in the United Kingdom.
She added, "Carrying out this research in Cyprus and the UK will provide much needed evidence into attitudes towards animal abuse, which is a newly established area. This research study will provide the framework for future researchers both in Cyprus and the UK to further develop the field."
"Eventually, our long term goal is to promote awareness of the phenomenon of animal abuse, and promote action not only by the general public but also by the responsible authorities," she added.
As for the illegal bushmeat trade, so often participants get involved in the illegal songbird food trade because they are hungry, have no other work, and it's fairly easy money for them. They wind up getting involved with what their friends are doing. I just hope that enforcement of hunting laws -- meant to protect endangered species -- will also be accompanied by education programs to help poachers redirect their energies into more productive, sustainable work.

Tokyo Two court verdict is out

Today our two anti-whaling activists stood in court as heroes, having successfully put whaling on trial, both in court, and in Japan's national media.

Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki, known as the Tokyo Two, exposed widespread corruption in Japan's whaling programme and in return, they have been handed a 12 month jail sentence, suspended for three years.

We are appealing this totally unjust, politically motivated sentence and we need your help to do so.

Our activists are always prepared to take responsibility for their actions, and standing up in court for what we believe in is often a result of taking appropriate, peaceful action. However, it is unacceptable for the authorities to ignore human rights and freedom of expression.

Please continue to stand by Junichi and Toru: send an e-mail to Japan's Foreign Minister about this harsh verdict now.

And read more about the verdict here.

Thank you again,

Everyone,
Greenpeace International

Breath of fresh air since smoking ban

THERE has been a 90 per cent improvement in the quality of air in enclosed public spaces since a blanket smoking ban was introduced at the beginning of the year, a study released yesterday has found.

“The results of the study support that the smoking ban in all public places had a dramatic improvement in the quality of air in enclosed spaces and was especially effective in reducing interior pollution levels by some 90 per cent,” an announcement by Cyprus’ University of Technology (TEPAK) said.

Working in collaboration with the Harvard School of Public Health, TEPAK conducted two air quality measurements, one between April 2007 to January 2008 and again from March to May of 2010, in 21 different places of recreation around Cyprus.
Professor Gregory N Connolly of Harvard School of Public Health, who specialises in research on smoking said, “these results have surpassed all our expectations and this means that the customers and workers of the bars and restaurants in Cyprus can enjoy a safer, healthier environment as those in other countries which have already succeeded in banning smoking in all public spaces.”

The ban, which came into force on January 1 was vehemently opposed by the owners of bars and night-clubs, who argued that it would hurt their business.
In fact, in the first month, they said that their business was down by 40 per cent.
But while there was a widespread compliance at first, there have been increasing complaints that some clubs have reverted back to their old habits, allowing customers to smoke indoors.

Official police figures released yesterday show a total of 3,288 violations islandwide for the period between January and July.
Police issued on-the-spot fines for 3,230 while the other 58 cases are still to be brought before a court.
During this time police carried out 27,500 checks.
Police are authorised to issue €85 fines while violators going to court face a €2,000 fine. That includes both the owner and the smoker.
Owners of establishments also face fines of up to €1,000 for failing to place highly visible no smoking signs where applicable.
Limassol topped the charts with 1,820 violations with second-place Nicosia recording 755.
In Limassol, bars accounted for 417 of the violations, with clubs and cafes adding a further 329.
The majority in Limassol – 632 - came from an unspecified group of “other” venues.
According to the statistics, smoking is clearly a male-dominated sport, with 2,653 reported by police compared to 635 women.

The TEPAK report will come as bad news for a group of mostly DIKO and DISY deputies who are seeking to amend the smoking ban when parliament meets again after the summer recess. The deputies want designated smoking areas in hotels and larger restaurants and bars, with the owners of those premises smaller than 70 square metres having the right to decide for themselves whether to be completely smoking or non-smoking.

Clash at site of Ormidhia waste disposal site

TEMPERS flared at the site for Famagusta District’s new waste management plant near Ormidhia, as villagers blocked the path of earth-moving equipment that was to be used to prepare the site ahead of construction.

Large numbers of police from the Dhekelia base reportedly closed off the site yesterday morning ahead of the machinery’s arrival, prompting a large number of villagers to gather with the intention of blocking off the approach-road. After a tense stand-off, word was apparently passed to the contractor, and the machinery did not turn up. Both villagers and police left the site just before lunchtime.

The majority of Ormidhia residents have mounted a vigorous campaign of opposition to the waste disposal plant since the plans were announced some eighteen months ago, amid concerns over the risk to local residents’ health and the environment. Protest action has included blocking the Ayia Napa-Larnaca motorway. The area, which falls within SBA territory, already has an Electricity Authority power plant and a large desalinisation plant nearby.

(Cyprus Mail)

Idalion treasures

Findings of great interest were unearthed during excavations in ancient Idalion, carried out by the Lycoming College Expedition, in sites that included an extremely ancient temple, going back to the Cypro-Geometric period, which was dedicated to the Great Goddess of Cyprus, the Wanassa, or “Mistress of Animals.” According to a press release issued by the Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the seven-week-long field work focused on the terrace of the East Acropolis, Moutti tou Arvili, and the reopening of the excavations in the Adonis Temenos.

With the removal of several years of accumulated rain wash, extraordinary vessels were revealed sitting on what appeared to be the last used floor of the sanctuary. These finds indicate that the sanctuary was in use until the first century BC. The cluster of whole vessels on a floor covered with mud brick detritus may indicate that the sanctuary was abandoned in something of a hurry.

Of great interest was the discovery of the limits of the Hellenistic altar in the Adonis Temenos. As expected, the western corner of the southern edge of the altar was found approximately 8 meters west of the eastern corner. The huge size of this altar indicates the continuing importance of the cult of the consort of the Great Mother at Idalion in the Hellenistic period. Evidence of votive terracottas continued in the area of the altar.

In the area known as the “Sanctuary of the Paired Deities”, the team continued to uncover the eastern area last used in the Roman period. It was discovered that, in addition to worshipping a pair of aniconic deities, a male and a female, ancient Cypriot worshippers donated numerous limestone votive figures.

This season’s work revealed more of the Roman installations in the Eastern portion of the sanctuary, including a large cistern or basin lined with hydraulic plaster. Very near this basin is an impressive set of massive, carefully hewn paving stones set in a line, possibly to mark a ceremonial pathway. There is little doubt that this extremely ancient Temple, going back to the Cypro-Geometric period, was dedicated to the Great Goddess of Cyprus, the Wanassa, or “Mistress of Animals,” sometimes represented as Artemis, and her consort who came to be called Adonis in later centuries. That he was known as the “Master of Animals” accounts for his representation sometimes as Herakles, sometimes as Pan.

In fact, the ancient Cypriots borrowed religious symbols from many nations to represent their own native gods. New to the Lycoming College Expedition this year was the Hellenistic industrial area to the East of the Lymbia Road. As this area lies directly down-slope from the Adonis Temenos, perhaps it is not surprising that numerous sculpture fragments were found there in the upper levels. These statuettes were clearly washed down from the sacred grove above. The former American expedition in the 1970s located the large plaster-lined basin associated with the architecture in this field.

They suggested that it might be a bath complex, perhaps associated with a Roman villa or other Roman building. It seems however that the area indicates a major Hellenistic industrial installation, possibly for the processing of textiles. At each end of the basin, which measures close to 6m long by 2.7m wide, there are depressions, apparently for the insertion of wooden rods, presumably for the rolling of cloth or wool through liquid for dying or producing felt. Next year, the team plans to investigate the limits of the “Sanctuary of the Paired Deities”, to explore the Hellenistic industrial complex and to find the earlier levels of the Adonis Temenos.

Source of arsenic water discovered

GOVERNMENT scientists have at last discovered the source of arsenic contamination in Mammari villages’ water.

A committee of more than 10 scientists from the agriculture ministry’s environment service, plus one university Professor have finally established that the contamination comes from many sources, including bi-products from animal farming, light industry and the bedrock itself.

Costas Hadjipanayiotou, who led the investigation, said yesterday: “We have now completed the search, which has taken a lot of time, and all the results are now in front of the Minister, who will present the findings when he returns from his trip.” However, one source within the agriculture ministry confirmed the source of the arsenic is a combination of both natural and man-made causes. “From what I have read (the contamination) is from both farms and from rocks beneath the surface.”

The problem first emerged a year ago, when a chemical analysis of the water revealed the level of arsenic in the water exceeded internationally established safety levels. Another source, from within the committee, said: “The whole search was undertaken after the presence of arsenic was found in the water, but this was not found in all the samples.” At that time the locals initially suspected contaminants came from nearby chicken farms, which the committee source confirmed is partly true, and when the boreholes were dug to test surrounding groundwater, the microbial level was also found to be too high for drinking.

From August until October when a pipe was laid down to carry water from Nicosia, the residents were being supplied by tanker. Asked what the Ministry intended to do next, the second source said that this decision lay with the water development board (WDD) but for now the water would continue to be pumped from Nicosia. “We have not come up with a final solution yet, but for the time being water will continue to be pumped to Mammari.”

As for the microbes, the source said “since this is not now provided as drinking water, it is not a problem.” Agriculture Minister Andreas Polynikis will deliver the findings of its investigation to the Mammari community council at the end of August, when he returns from holiday.

Rush to build could prove costly

THE PUBLIC Company for Natural Gas (DEFA) will be evaluating, over the next few weeks, the proposals submitted by four, big international companies for the supply of liquefied natural gas to Cyprus over a 20-year period. A new round of negotiations with at least two of the short-listed companies would follow as DEFA, which is owned by the state and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), are looking to secure the best possible terms.

Once the contract is signed, the EAC would announce its decision regarding its strategic partner for the construction and operation of the land terminal for the LNG. After more than a decade of prevarication and indecision, the authorities have finally got moving. The government found a sense of urgency once the EU started imposing fines on Cyprus for its CO2 emissions, a cost that will increase every year and will be passed on to the Electricity Authority’s customers.

But as with all rushed decisions there is a big risk of costly mistakes being made. Serious reservations have already been expressed about the government’s plans which, on the surface, do not seem to be the most cost-effective. This is inevitable given that the enterprise was placed on the wrong basis from the start, by the approval in 2007 of the law that gave DEFA monopolistic rights and obliged it to purchase LNG and de-liquify it at the Vassiliko terminal. The most worrying thing is that the state would be in charge of the project, which means costs would be higher than if it were given to the private sector. In a statement issued on Monday, DISY deputy leader Averof Neophytou questioned the logic of awarding the successful company a 20-year, supply contract. What if, in five or ten years, Cyprus was able to extract natural gas from sea? Explorations are currently under way and this possibility is not as remote as it seemed three years ago. But even if we don’t find natural gas under the sea, in ten years’ time there could be cheaper alternatives to LNG, such as compressed natural gas (CNG).

Former commerce minister Antonis Michaelides expressed a similar opinion, warning that the LNG/land terminal option could be disastrous for the economy. The cost of the investment in a land terminal would be huge and it would limit our options to LNG which might not be the cheapest alternative. He repeated his view - first voiced three years ago – that Cyprus should have invited tenders from abroad requesting the supply of natural gas directly to EAC’s power stations. A time-frame would have been demanded and guarantees for the continuous supply from the successful company.

We may have had to pay a slightly higher unit price, but there would be no need for a big investment in a land terminal and exclusive reliance on LNG. This would have been the rational approach that would have led to the most competitive and cost-effective solution. But it seems such rationality is beyond our politicians who could lumber the taxpayer with huge and unnecessary costs.

(Cyprus Mail)

ENORASIS Camping

Between 3 and 8 August, ENORASIS socio-cultural club will be on nature holidays at Polis Chrysochous Eucalyptus Camping Site.

Come any day you feel comfortable.

We will try to help those who would ask for relevant equipment.

Call us for any information (Gaston 99.568.223).

Defibrillators installed in the center of Nicosia

Municipality has installed four new defibrillators around the city and a portable one, all of which will be used only by trained staff as part of an effort to save lives when access to a hospital may not be immediate.

The defibrillators have been installed at the Town Hall, the municipality’s Technical Services Offices, the Municipal Swimming Pool and the old Municipal Market. Also every Wednesday, during the operational hours of the market near the ‘Oxi’ roundabout, there would be somebody with a portable defibrillator patrolling the area to cover any possible problems that occur. Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou said that only trained personnel would be allowed to use the medical equipment to ensure there was no misuse. “This is the first series in this programme and it is expected that after the summer more defibrillators will be installed in highly concentrated areas,” she said.

To undertake the operation of the defibrillators, 17 people have been trained by cardiologist and pathologist Dr. Piero Georgiou and expert Marios Kaissi. Andreas Karagiorgis, a health and safety officer, explained that the employees would have to have previous experience in first aid and would therefore be able to tell the difference between cardiac arrest and a mere fainting incident. Ioannis Leontiou instructor for the European Resuscitation Council said that according to the law, the trainees will have to retake tests every year to ensure that they are up to standards. Furthermore, some of the regulations will have to be amended in order to coincide with EU standards.

Costas Antoniades, head of the accident and emergency department at the Nicosia general hospital said that the training was quite easy. “But if a person doesn’t know how to handle it, it can be really dangerous, and amongst other things, can cause heart irregularities. If the person is conscious when you do it, it’s like getting an electric shock,” he said. Cardiac arrest can happen at any time and can occur without symptoms, even to people who do not have a history of heart problems.

The municipality said an effective and instantaneous response to this “deadly and silent enemy” was defibrillation, which restores the natural rhythm of the heart. Clinical studies have shown that when victims of cardiac arrest are given immediate defibrillation, there is a 90 per cent increase in their chances of survival. Leontiou explained that the quantity and quality of training needs to be high to ensure that out of hospital incidents do not result in death.

(Cyprus Mail)

Wind park deal

A contract for the subsidization of the third wind park in Cyprus was signed today at the Commerce and Industry Ministry in Nicosia.

Rocas Aeoliki Cyprus Ltd will be able to produce 20MW of electricity at its turbine installation in the Ayia Anna area, Larnaca district.

“This means we are very near our target of producing 165MW by 2013 and in good time too,” Minister Antonis Paschalides said.

On behalf of the company, the Director Demetris Yiannaki said they were anxious to start production in a year’s time and pledged to keep the completion schedule.

We support Pavlos Kleovoulou

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement in an effort to help young Pavlos Kleovoulou, who's suffering from a very rare disease which has to be traeted abroad urgently, decided to organize an art exhibition - paintings, sculptures and handcrafts - which will be donated by the artists.

The exhibition is organized under the authority of the support team of young Pavlos and ALL raised money will be given for the treatment.

In this respect, we gratefully asking our artists friends and members of the group to donate a piece of their art.

We also call upon all our members to refer to every artist they know, asking them to donate a piece of art, in order to raise a sufficient number of art pieces and maintain the best possible results.

Exact date and place of the exhibition will be announced in a few days.

KISA Collects used clothes, shoes and other items

KISA has started collecting used textiles for purposes of providing them to people who need them, for fundraising and promotion of recycling.

We collect:
· Men´s, women´s children´s clothing and paired shoes
· Household textiles i.e. curtains and linen
· Handbacks
· Belts

Unfortunately we cannot accept:
· Dirty or wet clothing
· Carpets
· Mats
· Off cuts of materials
· Single shoes

These items will be processed in collaboration with Anakyklos Perivallontiki, a non-for-profit environmentalist organisation as follows:

i) The clothing will be collected at KISA premises
ii) The items will be collected regularly by Anakyklos, they will be weighed and a donation per kilo will be offered to KISA, according to the quality of the items.
iii) Some of the clothes, after sorting, will be offered at nominal prices (to cover the cost) or will be provided free of charge in cases of people in need.
iv) Anakyklos will organise bazaars for KISA, with all proceeds offered to KISA.
v) The clothes will be available to be sent to countries that face emergency situations, natural disasters etc.
vi) Most of the items will be exported, aiming basically at reuse. The items that cannot be reused as second hand clothes will be recycled in order to produce wiping cloths, fibres for new clothing, insulation material and other products.

Only a small part, around 2%, will end up in landfill. It is stressed that the income from the sales of second hand items cover the costs of recycling.

The net income from the project will be redirected to funding environmental actions and programmes.

By offering your used clothes, shoes etc, you contribute:

A) To diminishing garbage that otherwise would end up in landfill, thus economising on recourses and manpower

B) Towards a cleaner, healthier environment

C) To the provision of useful items, free of charge or at low prices to people in Cyprus and abroad who need them

D) To funding of KISA activities, that include the provision of support services, free of charge, to migrants, refugees etc , programmes for children and other activities.

KISA - Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism
P.O. Box 22113, 1517 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel : 00357 22 878181 - Fax: 00357 22 773039
email: kisa@cytanet.com.cy - web: www.kisa.org.cy

Huge church to dwarf 500-year old landmark Nicosia chapel

HE TOWN Planning Department has granted permission for a “huge” new church next to 500-year-old Ayia Paraskevi Church in Strovolos (Nicosia), despite objections by Strovolos Municipality and local residents.

In a press statement, the Cyprus Social Ecology Movement slammed the proposed building of a “huge luxury church in the yard of the historic church of Ayia Paraskevi in Nicosia, despite strong reaction by the public as well as officials of the state and local authority.” The group criticised the Orthodox Church leadership for its “unacceptable and continuous plans” to build huge churches in the historic centre of Nicosia, the main public park in Paphos, and now a new church “that will overwhelm the Ayia Paraskevi Church in Nicosia”.

The Archbishopric’s plan to build a vast new cathedral in Nicosia old town has provoked strong criticism in terms of its impact on the area in visual and other terms. The Archbishop’s office is said to be lobbying hard to win the approval of Nicosia municipal councillors. In July 2009, Paphos Bishop Georgios announced his plans for a 20-metre tall cathedral in Paphos, but the local council voted it down overwhelmingly earlier this week, as part of the town planning consultation process. Ayia Paraskevi is one of the oldest churches in Nicosia, built some 500 years ago, and is tucked into the corner of a sizeable plot of land next to the Central Bank building and overlooked by the large head offices of the Bank of Cyprus. A photo of is featured in the European Commission’s online photo archive for Cyprus, designed to illustrate the cultural aspect of EU enlargement.

Town Planning Dept Head Christos Ktorides told the Mail yesterday that “an application for planning permission was made some time ago, and I believe it was granted recently.” Ktorides confirmed that the intention is to build a large new church next to the existing 500-year-old building, and “a consultation was carried out regarding the environmental impact on the immediate surroundings and area.” He firmly denied the suggestion that the new structure will tower over the old church, saying that there will be “a fair distance” between them. “Care was taken to maintain sufficient space around the old church and ensure it is not dominated by the new structure.

There will be a courtyard around the existing church – in no way will it be affected”, he said. Ktorides added: “The 12-floor apartment blocks across the road and the Central Bank building right next to it pose more questions in terms of size and dominance of the surroundings.” Strovolos Municipality Mayor Savvas Iliofotou explained to the Mail that two permits are needed for the new church to be built: planning permission, granted by the Town Planning Department, and a building permit, issued by the local authority. “When we were consulted by the Town Planning Dept as part of the normal process after they received the planning application from the Church, our response was negative”, Iliofotou said. He added: “According to what I have heard – we have not yet seen anything in writing – the Town Planning Dept has granted planning permission for the new church.

So now, we are obliged to issue a building permit, as the law says that once planning permission has been granted, we no longer have the right to withhold building permission except in cases of blatant violation of planning regulations.” In terms of when work on the new church might actually start, Iliofotou said that it normally takes “a minimum of three months” for a building permit to be issued once the application has been made officially.

(By Charles Charalambous - Cyprus Mail)

WWF measures environmental footprint of world´s largest fine paper companies

WWF has launched a new voluntary rating tool for paper companies to report on their global ecological footprint.

The Paper Company Environmental Index assesses key environmental criteria, such as use of recycled fibre or fibre coming from well-managed forests, energy use and CO2 emissions, water consumption and water pollution.

Five globally significant fine paper manufacturers — Domtar from North America, M-real, Stora Enso and UPM from Europe and Mondi Group from South Africa/Europe — have been the first to voluntarily disclose their environmental profiles on WWF´s new online Paper Company Index. Results and profiles can be found www.panda.org/PaperCompanyIndex.

“WWF applauds these companies for their leadership and transparency,” says Harri Karjalainen, WWF’s Pulp and Paper Programme Manager. “They are the vanguard of a more sustainable paper industry.”
“Other fine paper and tissue companies, particularly those in North and South America and Asia, are invited to follow suit and show their boards of directors, business partners, shareholders, investors, paper buyers and communities what they have done to reduce their global ecological footprint,” says Karjalainen. “We hope this new online tool can promote some healthy competition within the paper industry. Who can achieve the lightest footprint?”

One of the participating companies, Mondi Group CEO, David Hathorn says: "We are pleased to have been part of the inaugural WWF Paper Company Environmental Index which assessed the efficient use of resources and environmental care. We hope that the index will attract many global paper companies as it provides an opportunity for participating companies to present progress made with reducing their environmental footprint.”

Fine papers have everyday uses including copier/printer paper, book paper, envelopes, forms, writing pads, high-quality magazines and brochures, catalogues and annual reports. WWF has launched the Paper Company Environmental Index at a time when total paper consumption is expected to increase from today’s 400 million tons to 450-500 million tons by 20201 leaving an unacceptably large ecological footprint on the planet if the industry does not make significant improvements. Irresponsible pulpwood harvesting and expanding pulpwood plantations have the potential to threaten fragile ecosystems and create social concerns if not carried out responsibly.

The pulp and paper industry is among the world’s largest users of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases, and a significant source of water pollution and landfill waste. The Paper Company Environmental Index covers impacts on forest ecosystems from fibre sourcing (35% of the maximum 100 points), emissions from manufacturing process such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (35%), and corporate transparency (30%). The criteria apply to both policy and production, thus measuring each company´s targets and actual performance.

The index also includes companies’ own operations as well as the supply chain; for example, market pulp bought for production of the end product. The pulp and paper industry’s expansion is driven largely by emerging economies, in particular in Asia. Many global pulp and paper companies are moving their production to the Southern Hemisphere due to lower production costs. Pulpwood from the South is travelling longer distances to North American and European paper mills; approximately 80% of market pulp crosses an international border and 40% crosses an ocean to reach its market.

Disable's parking places

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement organizes a campaign to assist people using a “disable’s car" and are facing serious problems with parking places.

As per the standing law, the local authorities have the obligation to set certain parking places, where, the disable person can park their vehicles near their working and resident locations.

In this respect, we call upon all citizens, who happen to know people facing such problems, to send us all necessary information (name, address etc.) in order to address relevant requests to various Municipal Authorities. You can send all information, either with an email, to gr.greens@gmail.com, or by fax to 22 519400 or give us a call at 99 653634

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Cyprus Sets Wheels in Motion for Accessible Tourism

The first open meeting on the subject of “Accessible Tourism” arranged by the Cyprus Committee of Accessible Tourism was held on 3rd June 2010 at Hotel Posidonias, with the participation of the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Cyprus Tourist Organisation and representatives of Municipalities and NGO networks.

ENAT Member, the European Social Forum of Cyprus has taken the initiative to form the Cyprus Committee of Accessible Tourism and was successful in bringing together the major players for this inaugural meeting. The meeting was honoured to welcome the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Antonis Paschalidis, as well as the Municipal Advisers of the Municipality of Yermasoyia, Mrs. Pepy Orphanidou, and the Municipality of Mesa Yitonia, Mr Stelios Stylianos.

The Chairman of the Cyprus Tourist Organisation, Mr. Alekos Orountiotis also attended the meeting. With his positive statements and political will, Minister Paschalidis expressed his support for policy developments that aim to promote the essential material and technical infrastructure for accessibility in all Cypriot hotels and tourism facilities, giving the delegates a sweet flavor of optimism for the future.

Mrs. Orphanidou reported on the decisions already taken by Yermasoyia Municipality to transform the municipality into the first Accessible Municipality of Limassol, and the 14 policy steps that follow the direction of TOURISM FOR ALL. She also expressed the decision of her Municipality to apply the law strictly, regarding the awarding or renewal of operating permits, ensuring that accessibility requirements are upheld.

The coordinator of the Committee Mr Chrysis Michailidis, spoke on accessibility as a Human Right and a characteristic of Culture, noting the gap between the Law and its application. The Cyprus Committee of Accessible Tourism wishes to thank the Honourable Minister Mr. Antonis Paschalidis for his support to the committee and the Hotel “Posidonias” that provided the meeting venue.

Progress in environmental matters? Or all those plastic bags!.

How do Cypriots measure up? An example is how plastic bags in supermarkets, kiosks, shops and bakeries are handled.

There are several “distinctions”, all of which don’t live up to those in the international context, whether we aspire to be European or part of the wider international society. In many countries, plastic bags need to be purchased, in others they are banned. India, for example initiated a law in 2005 where manufacturers and stores selling plastic bags will be fined Rs 5,000, while individuals using bags face penalties of Rs 1,000.

Here, we are still at the stage where at best, paper or canvas bags are offered for sale, and at worst people are forced to accept plastic bags. Starting with shops, the best we can hope for is that an international company gives out paper bags. At worst, you are told that you may not leave the shop without a plastic bag for security reasons.

And how do all these other countries do without those? Regarding supermarkets, a remarkable (?) change has happened. Two big chains actually sell canvas bags instead of selling the plastic bags so is this progress? One advertises an environmental awareness. But does it happen? Purchasing fruits, I have yet to see a place where those can be gathered in anything else than plastic bags.

When we, as customers, arrive at the cashiers, who are ultimately the ones who decide on what to do with our purchases, the final verdict is and has been that you have to inform them that you come equipped with a canvas bag. I have, in such incidences, endured many comments which ensured that I felt bad after any shopping experience, such as: “Are you sure you can carry this?” Yes, well, I have bought groceries for 40 years or so, so why wouldn’t I know? In addition, a known bakery chain insists that customers need to use plastic bags.

I recently went to a store where the cashier actually giggled at my request to carry out one item without taking any bags. Summarisng these reactions, it is not surprising that the younger generation resists the idea of taking a canvas bag or refuse a plastic bag.

Until recently, it was considered to be “gay” by my sons to do so. Where is the progress? There are less negative comments and pitying looks. Good enough? We have a long way to go and not much time to get there.

Annette Chrysostomou

CYPRUS - Salination of Water Resources

Water is a very valuable commodity in Cyprus. The yearly rainfall on the island is not generally adequate. Throughout the history islanders relied on underground water reserves to survive the year.

During the British collonial rule an extensive and complex network of wells were built to use the underground water resources. The British also introduced strict laws about water usage during dry summer months. However, the corrupt Turkish Cypriot leadership in north Cyprus and the political situation in Cyprus which does not allow adequate partnership and collaboration on water resources let to the salination of underground water resources.

This is now a very serious problem and many households receive domestic water which is practically unusable. This water is not very suitable for farming either. Unplanned and corrupt management of existing wells and new, deep wells using newer technologies dried up the underground reserves. This led to the invasion of the water-beds by the sea-water because of the pressure difference. When the sea water intrudes in an underground reservoir cleaning it up necessitates several years. To tackle the water-problems many schemes were developed.

However, the Turkish Cypriot leadership which is controlled by Republic of Turkey governments is a slave of their will and their funds. This meant that already corrupt Turkish bureaucracy made the decisions on these schemes. For example, many dams were built but the corrupt construction companies either wasted the funds or simply did not finish the job. Right now, many of these dams are serving as breeding grounds for migratory birds and picnic areas for Cypriots.

Eighteen dams were built up to now but only one serves for agriculture however others merely contain water till drying out and the water in them become salty. Denser water accumulate calcium and other materials down on the base and pollute land, close all orifices which cause feeding aquifer.

Then new water flowing into dams mixes with a highly condensed salty water that makes dams useless for any purpose. Turkish governments have also been promising impractical solutions such as bringing water from Turkey in large balloons pulled by ships or a pipeline under the Mediterranean sea. These are done mainly to serve the nationalist rhetoric of independent, self-reliant TRNC which survives thanks to "motherland" Turkey and suffers under Greek embargoes. Nowadays bringing water by balloons are proved to be impossible and project was dropped. Turkish authorities still talk about transferring water by ships however pipeline project was tendered to a company.

The failure of baloons has shown the uselessness of bringing expensive water but the show continues. Furthermore, the animosity between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaderships did not allow joint programs to develop to tackle this problem. In an island as small as Cyprus and with a mixed infrastructure -- which was built before the partition, it is impossible to handle the water-resources without joint programs. This is not only an environmental problem but also a very humanitarian problem.

There are many sources of funding and various methods that have been successfully employed in the region. These should have been an utmost priority for the leaderhips to implement in Cyprus, however, they could not see beyond their nationalist, self-serving rhetoric and interests.
(CAN)

Bio-fooled: proposal on EU criteria would allow damaging unsustainable biofuels

Commenting on the Communication on the sustainability criteria for biofuels, presented today by the EU Commission, Green MEP Bas Eickhout, Member of the Environment Committee, said:

"The Commission's proposals on applying the so-called 'sustainability criteria' for biofuels are riddled with loopholes and would allow climate-damaging fuels to get the all clear in Europe. Far from ensuring the sustainability of these fuels, the communication could undermine overall EU climate policy. The Commission does not acknowledge the potential problems with biofuels anywhere in the communication.

While pressure from MEPs and NGOs has thankfully resulted in the deletion of the scandalous definition of palm oil plantations as forests, the new loopholes that have been introduced are just as shameful. "Among the more odious loopholes, are the 'by-product definitions', which take no account of the existing economic uses of by-products.

This would mean that by-products could be diverted from one economic usage to use as biofuels and be substituted by more greenhouse gas intensive alternatives, without any attempt to factor in the resultant emissions increase. Another major flaw is the 'energy allocation definition', which would allow undistilled ethanol to be classified as near-zero emissions! This makes a mockery of the lifecycle greenhouse gas assessment process and renders the so-called 'sustainability criteria' nothing more than an exercise in greenwash."

Green MEP Claude Turmes, Vice-President of the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament and Parliament's rapporteur for Renewables, said: "It seems that Commissioner Oettinger is ill-advised in this dossier.
The Commission has still made no progress in setting out how to take account of the climate impact of indirect land-use change (ILUC) for biofuels. This issue is absolutely crucial for assessing how much greenhouse gases these fuels account for over their lifecycles and is therefore fundamental to assessing the 'sustainability' or not of biofuels.

This prolonged delay is inacceptable. Under the legislation on renewable energy agreed in December 2008, the Commission was tasked to come forward with measures to account for the full climate impact of agrofuels. It is also inimical to the interests of investors, who are badly in need of legislative certainty for their investments."

Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships headed for Gaza

The world is reeling from Israel's assault on an aid flotilla trying to reach Gaza. It's time for a full investigation to begin -- and for the siege of Gaza to end. Sign the worldwide petition, then forward this message:


Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships headed for Gaza has shocked the world.

Israel, like any other state, has the right to self-defence, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal.

The UN, EU, and nearly every other government and multilateral organization have called on Israel to lift the blockade and, now, launch a full investigation of the flotilla raid. But without massive pressure from their citizens, world leaders might limit their response to mere words -- as they have so many times before.

Let's make the world's outcry too loud to ignore. Join the petition for an independent investigation into the raid, accountability for those responsible, and an immediate end to the blockade in Gaza -- click to sign the petition, and then forward this message to everyone:

The petition will be delivered to the UN and world leaders, as soon as it reaches 200,000 names -- and again at every opportunity as it grows and leaders choose their responses. A massive petition at a moment of crisis like this one can demonstrate to those in power that sound bites and press releases aren't enough -- that citizens are paying attention and demanding action.

As the EU decides whether to expand its special trade relationship with Israel, as Obama and the US Congress set next year's budget for Israeli military aid, and as neighbours like Turkey and Egypt decide their next diplomatic steps -- let's make the world's voice unignorable: it's time for truth and accountability on the flotilla raid, and it's time for Israel to comply with international law and end the siege of Gaza. Sign now and pass this message along:

Most people everywhere still share the same dream: for two free and viable states, Israel and Palestine, to live side by side. But the blockade, and the violence used to defend it, poisons that dream. As a columnist wrote to his fellow Israelis today in the newspaper Ha'aretz, "We are no longer defending Israel. We are now defending the siege. The siege itself is becoming Israel's Vietnam."

Thousands of pro-peace activists in Israel today protested the raid and the blockade in demonstrations from Haifa, to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem -- joining demonstrations around the world. Regardless of which side threw the first punch or fired the first shot (the Israeli military claims it did not initiate the violence), Israel's leaders sent helicopters of armed storm-troopers to raid a convoy of ships in international waters bringing medicine and supplies to Gaza, and some now lay dead.

Their lives cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace.

With hope,

Ricken, Alice, Raluca, Paul, Iain, Graziela and the rest of the Avaaz team

SOURCES:

Live coverage from Al Jazeera:
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/05/31/live-coverage-israels-flotilla-raid

Live coverage from the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2010/may/31/israel-troops-gaza-ships

"The Second Gaza War: Israel lost at sea" - Bradley Burston, Ha'aretz
http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-the-second-gaza-war-israel-lost-at-sea-1.293246

Analysis of violence from IDF's perspective from Debka, reporters with ties to Israeli intelligence:
http://debka.com/article/8824/

70% of Gazans suffer from food insecurity - 2008 ICRC report, cited by al Jazeera:
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/05/20105319333613851.html

Analysis of possible political consequences of the flotilla attack:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gtowfFjiFD4HYdHuYgxydKNwVRDwD9G2B3880

NICOSIA DEAREST

MUNICIPAL HALL LEDRAS STREET
14 – 25/06/2010

A city that keeps shifting, sprawling through its walls, constantly changing faces while growing larger and more complex, Nicosia is alive and breathing. A place to call home for its citizens, a place to call capital for Cypriots and a place to find a home for its visitors.

Recognizing the need for creating a visual identity for the city of Nicosia, the Applied Arts Department of Frederick University, has initiated the idea of founding the organization ‘Nicosia Dearest’. The organization will run as the official promotional office for the city, showcasing its culture, history, tourism, entertainment and urban life. Foremost objective of ‘Nicosia Dearest’ will be to produce a promotional campaign for Nicosia, and shaping a distinct character which will communicate the spirit of the city both visually and contextually.

Students from the Graphic and Advertising Design Program of Frederick University have been creatively engaged on this project and along with the support and cooperation of the Nicosia Municipality, will showcase their work on the upcoming exhibition ‘Nicosia Dearest’ on Μοnday, June 14th, 2010 at the Municipal Hall on Ledras street.

Toxics Action at Dell HQ, Texas

In 2006 when computer giant Dell announced they'd quit using the most harmful toxic chemicals in their electronics by the end of 2009.

At the time that was a great start and CEO Michael Dell set the bar for the rest of the industry with his public commitment. Now it's almost June 2010 and Dell still hasn't made a single computer that's free from PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

Meanwhile many of its competitors have already done so. Why is Dell going back on its very public promise? There's no excuse. You can ask Dell to do better.

Please write and tell CEO Michael Dell to honour his commitments and phase out the use of toxic chemicals.

Eoin Dubsky
Online Organizer Greenpeace International
http://www.greenpeace.org Facebook Twitter

Daniel Cohn-Bendit's speech on the Greek economy crisis

We, at Cyprus Social Ecology Movement, feel the need to congratulate the Green MEP, Daniel Cohn-Bendit for his passionate speech in European Parliament regarding the Greek economy crisis.

During his speech, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, uncovered the financial games against Greece, from countries within EU. "France and Germany" said, "are forcing Greece to take drastic measures against the Greek people, and on the other hand, they demand from Greek government to purchase army equipment of billion euros worth, from them.

Daniel Cohn-Bendit pointed out the absolute need for full demilitarization of Greece and Turkey, being the only solution for financial recovery of these two countries. He also gave emphasis on the urgent need of the Turkish troop's withdrawal from Cyprus!

We feel that Daniel Cohn-Bendit's speech constitutes a serious and very positive and realistic opinion and we strongly believe that our Government, as well as the Greek and Turkish governments, should take well into consideration.

Unfortunately, this statement by the co-president of the Green/EFA group in the EP should be given more value and attention by all of us.

The fact that, till today, there was no official reaction by the Cyprus Green Party, is giving us the impression that we spoil every opportunity we have for the solution of our problem and we avoid to listen any realistic suggestions.
The political orientation of a Green party should be based on such opinions, away from any nationalistic and separative positions.

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Caroline Lucas becomes Green Party's first MP

The Green Party has gained its first ever Westminster MP. In a major electoral success, the party's leader and MEP Caroline Lucas took the seaside seat of Brighton Pavilion from Labour.

Britain is the only country in Europe which has never had a Green MP elected to its national parliament.

Her victory is a remarkable achievement for the party, which has sought to put environmental issues at the heart of the General Election campaign.

Caroline Lucas, centre, celebrates becoming Britain's first Green Party MP after winning the Brighton Pavilion seat

Speaking after the result was announced she said: "Today the people of Brighton Pavilion have made history by electing Britain's first Green MP to Westminster.

"Thank you so much for putting the politics of hope above the politics of fear and I pledge that I will do my very best to do you proud.

"For once the word historic fits the bill."

One of the most tightly contested seats in the country, Brighton Pavilion was once a solid Tory stronghold, which was snatched by Labour in 1997.

Miss Lucas, 49, beat off female rivals Nancy Platts for Labour and Charlotte Vere for the Conservatives in an exciting three-way race.

A CND activist in her youth and a campaigner against US weapons on British soil, privately-educated Miss Lucas has more recently been a leader of the Stop the War Coalition.

he Green party leader has been hailed by the left-wing Guardian newspaper as one of their 'eco-heroes'.

Miss Lucas campaign was boosted by the support of actress Joanna Lumley who urged voters to shun mainstream politicians and back the Greens.

The Greens have mounted their biggest-ever general election campaign this year fielding candidates in 335 constituencies.

Her victory represents a shift towards a more radical style of politics.

As well as campaigning for environmental issues, the party backs higher taxation on the rich, permanent taxes on bankers bonuses and 20mph speed limits in all towns.

At the last election, Labour MP David Lepper took the seat with a 5,000 majority. But he announced his retirement before the General Election.

The Green party have been steadily building up their polling base in Brighton. At the last General Election, the Greens polled a best ever 22per cent of the vote in the constituency and have 9 local councillors in the area.

Cyprus and Denmark top the EU garbage heap

CYPRIOTS Danes and the Irish produce the most waste per capita in the whole European Union, while the Czechs, Poles and Slovaks the least, data from the EU's statistics office showed yesterday.

Eurostat said one Dane produced on average 802 kg of municipal waste in 2008, the highest rate in the 27-nation bloc. Cypriots generated 770 kg of waste on average – 10 kilos per person more than the average American - and the Irish 733 kg.

However the data also showed that even though Danes produce more waste, Denmark burned 54 per cent of its waste, recycled a further 24 per cent and composted 18 per cent, putting only 4 per cent of it into landfills.

Cyprus, however, stowed 87 per cent of the rubbish in landfills and recycled only the remaining 13 per cent, compared to 48 per cent in Germany – the top country for recycling in the EU.

The island was in sixth highest position when it came to landfill dumping. But taking into account the fact that the other countries ahead of Cyprus - five eastern European states - only produce half the amount of rubbish per person, the situation changes.

The Czechs produced 306 kilos of rubbish per capita, the Poles 320 kilos and the Slovaks 328 kilos.

The figures leave Cyprus clearly in the landfill lead along with Malta, which although produces 100 kilos per person less, throws 97 per cent on landfills and recycles only three per cent.

Environment Commissioner Charalambos Theopemptou said yesterday the difference between Cyprus and Denmark when it came to the waste issue was that the latter had efficient system to dispose of it. “This is the difference. It’s what you do with the waste after you produce it,” he said.

“Other countries have policies to cut waste, strict checks strict recycling laws. Not anyone who wants is allowed to dump waste.

He said that in other countries companies, supermarkets and others who produce a lot of waste are not allowed to dump them in landfills. They are forced to take them for recycling.

“They are very strict,” he said. “We have landfills and we dump whatever we want.”

Last week DISY deputy Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis described Cyprus as an “open landfill” during a House

Environment Committee.

Chairman Andreas Fakontis said 113 landfills are currently in operation across Cyprus and there was absolutely no policy for scaling back the production of refuse. He said no measures are taken to cut waste and save money by having smaller waste processing units.

He also said abandoned landfills were one of the most serious environmental problems in Cyprus. “While they are closed, they continue to be sources of pollution; the ground continues to be contaminated; the aquifers; toxic substances are produced and foul smell,” Fakontis said.

Fakontis added that people continue to dump rubbish in these landfills illegally.

The House wants inspectors who will be responsible to penalise those who dump waste illegally by imposing a substantial on-the-spot fine.

Fakontis said the government has given its okay but these ‘green’ inspectors have not been appointed yet।

CyprusMail

Stop “Red Arrow’s” dangerous games….

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement is considering the “Red Arrows” RAF planes exhibition completely unacceptable to be held in the air space of Cyprus

These exhibitions have nothing to offer to our country except the dangers of a possible accident and of course the air and noise pollution to the people living in the involved areas.

We demand immediate action against the authorization of such exhibitions by the local authorities and Cyprus Government. We feel that it is about time to stop being the “good guys” for the British Army Forces based in Cyprus and to put an end to this ridiculous action, every now and then in the sky of our country.

The continuous visits of “Red Arrows” in Cyprus are, beside the dangers, affecting the reputation and the independence of the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Commission sends written warning to Cyprus on air quality

The European Commission is pursuing infringement proceedings against five member states, including Cyprus, for failing to comply with the EU's air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10.

These particles, emitted mainly by industry, traffic and domestic heating, can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. Slovenia and Sweden are being referred to the European Court of Justice, while final written warnings have been sent to Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. In a separate case, Bulgaria is receiving a final written warning over its failure to control concentration levels of sulphur dioxide.

The Commission's action follows the entry into force in June 2008 of the new EU Air Quality Directive, which allows member states to request, under certain conditions and for specific parts of the country, limited extra time to meet the PM10 standard which has been in force since 2005.

At the beginning of 2009, first warning letters were sent to member states that had by then not submitted notifications or had not notified the Commission about all air quality zones exceeding the limit values for PM10.

Following this warning, most of the member states involved submitted notifications for a time extension. Although Cyprus, Portugal and Spain did submit notifications for time extensions, the Commission rejected most of the notified air quality zones on the grounds that they did not meet all the conditions required by the Directive. The Commission has therefore decided to send a final written warning to the three member states.

EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik stated that ''air pollution is bad for our health'' and that ''member states must comply with EU air quality standards quickly and reduce emissions.''

''I am pleased to see that over recent years we have met PM10 limit values in a number of areas throughout Europe, but much more effort is still needed if we want full compliance,'' he added.

(Cyprus Weekly)

Minimum wage increased to €840

THE MINIMUM wage is being increased to €887 from €840 effective from Thursday, the Labour Advisory Committee announced yesterday.

Final approval for the 5.6 per cent increase, which will bring the minimum wage to 50 per cent of the average national wage, rests with the Cabinet.

“The minimum wage, I would like to underline, is a tool which affects the most susceptible sectors of the employed population, and one which we intend to utilise in a correct manner,” said Labour Minister Sotiroula Charalambous after the meeting.

The minimum wage, for employees who have been at their place of employment for over six months, is currently fixed at €840. This will go to €887.

The minimum wage for new employees, who have been working at their place of employment for less than six months, and which currently stands at €791, is set to be increased to €835.

The measure drew sharp criticism from employers’ organisations, who said it would “create market distortions” and impact negatively on industry.

(The Cyprus Mail)

Stop the destruction of an ancient church

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement strongly protests against Cyprus Churches’ plans to construct an enormous new church in front of the ancient and historic chapel of Ayia Paraskevi in Akropolis, near Hilton hotel.

This new and very expensive church will close the only free side of the ancient church which is currently surrounded by the huge building of the Central Bank and the Head offices of the Bank of Cyprus.

In an effort to stop these plans, the Cyprus Social Ecology Movement is organizing a protest on Sunday, 21st February, 2010, at 10 am in the front yard of the ancient church and calls upon all people to join us.

We need to draw awareness and show our will to stop the destruction of a historic and cultural monument which has been the point of reference of the capital of Cyprus for over 500 years.

Government to secure sufficient water supplies

The government is fully aware of the challenges ahead and through the implementation of a sustainable water management policy is taking all necessary measures to ensure water security now and in the future, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Michalis Polynikis said Wednesday.

Addressing the fourth annual Water and Energy Exchange International Conference in Limassol, Polynikis said the primary objective is to secure enough quantities of potable water to cover at least the basic needs of the population and to eliminate dependency on weather conditions by installing sea water desalination plants.

Despite the construction of many surface water reservoirs since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, the dependency on rainfall still continues, he added.

The long and frequent periods of droughts, he said, have proved that storing rainwater into reservoirs only allows short-term planning and is not a sustainable long-term solution.

''Currently one mobile and two permanent desalination plants are in operation and additional desalination plants are planned to be constructed in the next couple of years with the objective to achieve water security so that every person has continuous access to safe water'', he added.

At the same time, he stressed, attention is turned on other non-conventional water resources, such as recycling of treated municipal effluents in order to cover the water needs of the agricultural sector and ensure a gradual integration into the water balance. Recycled water for irrigation and recharge purposes is a growing resource in Cyprus.

The Minister announced earlier in the week the end to water cuts, which were introduced about two years ago following sever drought.
(CNA)