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Earth Hour 2025: A Global Stand For The Planet

At 8:30 pm on Saturday, 22 March 2025, millions around the world will switch off their lights for one hour in a symbolic act of environmental solidarity. Earth Hour, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has grown into a powerful global movement since its inception in 2007. This year, iconic landmarks from London to Liverpool will go dark, reminding us of the urgent need to tackle climate change and protect our planet’s natural resources.

Why Earth Hour Matters

What began as a local initiative in Sydney, Australia, with 2.2 million participants, has now spread to over 190 countries. Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights—it’s a call to action. By participating, individuals, businesses, and governments signal their commitment to a sustainable future.

This year’s campaign continues to emphasize the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, encouraging communities to rethink consumption habits, reduce energy use, and adopt eco-conscious practices.

Larnaca Joins The Global Movement

In Cyprus, Larnaca is taking an active role in Earth Hour 2025. From 8:30 to 9:30 pm, the city will turn off the lights of the Kamara Monument and Salina Park, urging residents to do the same. More than a symbolic gesture, Larnaca’s participation aligns with the ‘Zero Food Waste’ initiative, reinforcing the importance of mindful consumption and reducing food waste.

“As part of this campaign, we are sending a strong message to protect our planet and promote sustainable habits,” the municipality stated, highlighting its commitment to raising awareness and encouraging responsible environmental practices.

How To Get Involved

Joining Earth Hour is simple—just switch off your lights for 60 minutes. But the impact goes beyond that. Here are a few meaningful ways to take part:

  • Spend time outdoors, appreciating nature without screens.
  • Host a candle-lit dinner with locally sourced, sustainable food.
  • Take the opportunity to unplug from digital devices and reflect on ways to reduce your environmental footprint.
  • Engage in discussions with friends and family about sustainability and small changes that can make a difference.

A Symbolic Gesture With Real Impact

Earth Hour serves as a powerful reminder that collective action matters. From the London Eye to Larnaca’s Kamara Monument, cities across the world are standing together in the fight against climate change. Whether through energy conservation, reducing waste, or supporting eco-friendly policies, every step counts toward building a more sustainable future.

Will you switch off for Earth Hour?

Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

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