Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

36 Focus areas focus on the implementation of the waste hierarchy by reducing waste generation, by changing consumer habits and by promoting re-use and recycling, along the principles of the circular economy. The Municipal Waste Management Strategy foresees targets according to the current EU targets (50% recycling by 2020, 60% recycling on package waste) or even further (40% separate collection of municipal waste or 20% landfilling) and contains a number of significant measures for the prevention of waste, including food and other organic waste, separate collection and recycling. As such, it has provided a good starting point in improving waste management in Cyprus (SDG12). Transitioning to a Circular Economy is a key priority for Cyprus through the implementation of a concrete Action Plan which focuses on creating a culture both among citizens (sustainable consumption) and among the manufacturers / entrepreneurs themselves and providing effective incentives for industry to invest in the circular economy and creation of the necessary infrastructure. In addition, Cyprus has prepared a National Biodiversity Strategy (approved by the Council of Ministers in 2020) which includes actions for all ecosystems (forest, freshwater, grassland etc.), as well as the implementation of measures regarding conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the mountain and freshwater ecosystems and their services. The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in Cyprus will be implementing specific measures that include among others, preparation and implementation of National Action Plans for species and habitats; conservation and protection of habitats and species in Natura 2000 areas; prevention of loss of farmland (SDG15). The National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities was adopted by the Council of Ministers in October 2019. The strategy aims to revitalise the region of the Troodos mountains and will breathe new life into the mountain communities, create jobs, promote tourism and support agriculture and cottage industries. The strategy envisions 250 actions to be taken until the year 2030 for boosting the quality of life and promoting sustainable development in mountain communities. Cyprus is also engaged in international Climate Change Actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East by promoting or supporting actions in the sector of energy (exploiting joint hydrocarbon fields, transportation pipelines of hydrocarbons, submarine cables, etc.) and the protection of the maritime environment, fishing and marine antiquities. An essential role in the context of climate change, resource use and sustainable consumption and production is the incorporation of ecological criteria in all public tenders aiming to fulfill the target of 50% for green public procurement. Cyprus within the framework of its obligations to the European Union, has prepared its own National Action Plan for promotion of Green Public Procurement. The implementation of the national Green Public Procurement Action Plan, approved by the Council of Ministers is mandatory for all State Authorities (Public Sector Contracting Authorities), Public Law Principles (Public Law Organisations) and Local Authorities. Key Means to Green Transition For the period 2021-2027, under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), EU funding totaling approximately €3.0 billion has been allocated to Cyprus, with the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to be the most important sources of funding. Cyprus will be investing an amount of €1.2 billion to promote projects, actions and reforms that contribute to climate change including the Just Transition Fund (JTF), which will support the sectors / professions that will be most affected, so that the transition towards climate neutrality takes place in a fair and inclusive manner.