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Forestry College To Reopen After A Decade: Revitalising Environmental Education

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 18, 2024

After a decade-long hiatus, the Cyprus Forestry College is set to reopen in January 2025, with its ‘Higher Diploma in Forestry’ programme resuming in September 2025. This development follows approval from the Council of Ministers, as announced by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. The reopening aims to address the understaffing of the Forestry Department and enhance operational readiness, particularly in combating forest fires.

The programme, a three-year course certified by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), will not only strengthen the Forestry Department’s staffing but also broaden its educational offerings. New programmes will be introduced for NGOs, communities, and citizens, focusing on environmental and nature-related issues. This initiative is expected to foster greater environmental awareness and engagement across various sectors.

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Minister Panayiotou highlighted the importance of the college in preserving Cyprus’s forests and enhancing the department’s capacity. The enriched educational programmes will also provide valuable training opportunities for government services, existing staff, and the broader public.

The reopening of the Cyprus Forestry College represents a significant step towards reinforcing the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and education. As Cyprus continues to face environmental challenges, the college’s revival is poised to play a crucial role in equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and manage the nation’s natural resources.

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Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

by News Editor

April 26, 2025

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.