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Forestry College To Reopen After A Decade: Revitalising Environmental Education

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.

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.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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