Cypriot CYMEPA ecosystem restoration project receives international funding

The Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA) has become one of four organizations worldwide whose projects were selected for funding under the international Ecosystems Restoration Education (ERE) initiative implemented by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The project with the creative title “Become Part of the FBI: Forest Bureau of Investigation” will be implemented in Cyprus as part of the global LEAF (Learning about Ecosystems and Forests) program, which operates in 28 countries. However, in the field of ecosystem restoration this year, only Cyprus, Argentina, Malaysia, and Armenia were selected.

What the project includes

The CYMEPA initiative is aimed at actively engaging schoolchildren and teachers in hands-on environmental activities. It includes:

• research in forest areas,
• competitions on ecological restoration in residential areas,
• school gardening programs,
• digital educational tools,
  which connect the study of forests, food systems, and principles of a healthy lifestyle.

The project turns natural spaces into “living classrooms,” where participants learn in practice how to care for biodiversity, habitats, and sustainable ecosystems. The approved funding for the Cypriot project amounts to €5,000.

CYMEPA Secretary General Dr. Michalis Ieridis noted that international recognition confirms the high level and innovative approach of the organization. According to him, Cyprus demonstrates that it can be a leader in environmental education and sustainable development by offering real and scalable solutions.

CYMEPA emphasizes that environmental protection must be holistic: the preservation of forests and soils directly affects the condition of the marine environment as well. This is why the organization, known for its work on marine protection, is also actively developing land-based environmental initiatives.