A small forest with a big impact on the community
The first “Tiny Forest” came to life in the Municipality of Lakatamia, transforming 400m² of public space into a green lung, with approximately 1,350 species of Mediterranean plants. The initiative to create the “Tiny Forest” was jointly implemented by Municipality of Lakatamia, the Cyprus Energy Office, and FEDARENE Network, in the context of European Climate Pact, with the aim of enhancing local biodiversity and providing substantial environmental and social benefits to the community, such as reducing CO₂ emissions and thereby improving air quality, reducing temperature and addressing the urban heat island phenomenon by creating a microclimate, and enhancing the climate resilience of the area.
Students from Agios Georgios Lyceum actively participated in the tree planting of the "Tiny Forest", which took place in the presence of the Mayor of Lakatamia, Ms. Fotoula Hatzipapa, the Deputy Mayor of Lakatamia, Mr. Alkis Alkiviadis, as well as the Communications Officer of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Mr. Vasilis Danilov, lending the initiative youthful energy and hope for the future.
In her statements, the Mayor of Lakatamia, after thanking the Cyprus Energy Office for its cooperation in implementing this pioneering initiative, said: "Today we are sowing the seeds of change. The small forests we create today are our great allies for tomorrow. Every seed planted is an act of hope, a promise for a sustainable future within our cities."
The event was also attended by Ms. Sara Borai, Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, Architect, Urban Planner and Activist. Ms. Borai underlined: “The green transition starts with local, tangible actions. Planting a Tiny Forest is an investment in biodiversity, quality of life and the resilience of our communities to the climate crisis.”
The “Tiny Forest” in the Municipality of Lakatamia was based on the Miyawaki method, the pioneering technique of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, which uses endemic plant species at high density, simulating the natural regeneration of forests. These forests grow 10 times faster, are 30 times denser and absorb significantly more CO₂ compared to conventional tree planting. The method is applied all over the world, especially in urban areas, enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture on behalf of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, as Mr. Danilov offered the students a gift of seeds, encouraging them to continue cultivating their future.
You will find the "Tiny Forest" of the Municipality of Lakatamia here.
About the European Climate Pact
Climate change is a critical threat that requires immediate and coordinated action. The European Climate Pact encourages everyone to take action to help combat this threat and build a better, greener future. The Pact, launched by the European Commission, is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the EU achieve its goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It is a movement of people united around a common purpose, each of whom is taking steps in their own daily lives to build a more sustainable Europe for all. The European Climate Pact brings together individuals, communities and organisations to fight climate change and adapt to its impacts. As part of the Pact, each of us can help build a more sustainable future.
For more information about the European Climate Pact, visit the website European Climate Pact.
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