CIU Takes a Leading Role in Environmental Awareness and Sustainability
Individuals have an important role in protecting the environment. It is possible to create major changes with simple but effective decisions taken in daily life. For example, saving water and energy, gaining recycling habits, not harming nature, and reducing carbon footprint are among the responsibilities of individuals. In addition, choosing environmentally friendly products, being sensitive to activities that pollute nature, and creating social awareness about the environment are also among the duties of individuals. As the number of environmentally sensitive individuals in society increases, environmental problems can be combated more effectively. Individuals who act with this awareness can be the pioneers of social transformation.
CIU Takes a Leading Role in Environmental Awareness and Sustainability
As part of the Environment Protection Week, the most urgent environmental issues in Cyprus were brought into the agenda.
According to the evaluations done by Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering of Cyprus International University (CIU), forest fires, depletion of water resources, inadequate waste management, the impact of urban development on nature, and marine pollution are among the key threats to the island's environmental future.
Prof. Kıdak also highlighted various activities carried out at the university to raise environmental awareness, the concrete steps taken in the name of sustainability, and the responsibilities students take on regarding the environment.
CIU proved its leadership in sustainability once again by becoming 64th out of 1,477 universities in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, and 1st on the island.
1. Can we assess the most urgent environmental problems of the island within the scope of Environment Protection Week?
Forest fires, depletion of water resources, inadequate waste management, the environmental impact of construction, and marine pollution can be listed among the most important environmental issues in Cyprus.
In particular, the failure to properly collect and sort plastic and household waste significantly contributes to environmental pollution.
Additionally, the unregulated use of groundwater and the infiltration of agricultural chemicals into nature are major concerns.
Unplanned tourism activities in coastal areas also threaten ecosystems.
Combating these issues requires cooperation between public authorities and NGOs, public awareness campaigns, and more effective enforcement of environmental laws.
2. What are the environmental policies in Cyprus? Are they adequately implemented? How can they be improved?
There are various laws, regulations, and strategic plans in place in Cyprus related to environmental protection, waste management, water resource usage, and air quality.
However, there are significant shortcomings in the implementation. Insufficient inspections, lack of resources, and low public awareness reduce the effectiveness of these policies.
To improve them, transparent inspection mechanisms should be established, education and awareness campaigns should be intensified, and the capacity of local governments in environmental matters should be strengthened. Moreover, sanctions for institutions that violate environmental regulations should be strictly enforced to ensure deterrence.
3. What do you think about environmental awareness of society in Cyprus?
What steps can be taken to increase this awareness?
Environmental awareness among the society in Cyprus has been increasing in recent years. However, it still has not reached the desired level. Many people remain unaware of key issues such as recycling, energy conservation, and protecting natural areas. To boost awareness, environmental education should start at an early age, with greater emphasis placed on environmental topics in school curricula. Municipalities and NGOs should work together on joint projects to engage the public, and informative content about the environment should be widely shared in the media. Additionally, voluntary environmental activities and campaigns can encourage individuals to contribute actively to environmental protection.
4. In your view, what responsibilities do individuals have regarding the environment?
Individuals play a crucial role in protecting the environment. Simple yet effective choices in daily life can bring about major change. For example, conserving water and energy, developing recycling habits, avoiding harm to nature, and reducing one’s carbon footprint are among the responsibilities of every individual. Choosing environmentally friendly products, staying alert to activities that pollute the environment, and promoting public environmental awareness can also be listed among the key responsibilities of individuals. As more people act responsibly towards the environment, society becomes better equipped to tackle ecological issues. Such conscious individuals can be at the forefront of broader societal transformation.
5. What kind of activities are carried out at the university to raise students’ environmental awareness?
Numerous activities are organized at our university to increase environmental awareness among students. Students' knowledge and awareness of environmental issues are enhanced through seminars, conferences, workshops with environmental themes, and academic projects. Events such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, recycling projects, and zero waste initiatives—organized by the Environment Club—actively involve students in the process. The availability of recycling bins across campus and energy-saving technological infrastructure also supports the development of environmentally responsible behavior among students.
6. What concrete steps has Cyprus International University taken in the field of sustainability? (Recycling, energy efficiency, and so on)
Cyprus International University has taken various concrete steps in line with its sustainability goals. Recycling bins for different types of waste have been placed across campus, and a zero-waste policy has been adopted. To enhance energy efficiency, LED lighting and motion-sensor systems have been implemented. Environmentally friendly practices also include water-saving tap systems and an increase in green areas. Awareness campaigns led by the Environment Club and other student groups support these efforts. Moreover, academic research and sustainability-focused projects help to spread a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the campus.