Pediaios river an indicator of Nicosia’s environmental health

The significance of the Pediaios river in Nicosia as an important ecosystem and indicator of the capital’s environmental health was highlighted by Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou on Tuesday.

The commissioner was speaking at the launch of a series of events aimed raising awareness to get the public more interested in the river’s rich biodiversity, not just view the area as simply an area to cycle or stroll.

The first-ever Pediaios festival will run from October 29 to November 3 and boasts 68 separate events along its length, including workshops, educational programmes, clean-ups, theatre, art, photography, music and tree planting signifying, like the river itself, “the flow of life”, Theodosiou said.

The linear park that was created years ago to encourage walking, running, cycling and socialising had more than met the needs of residents and had been embraced by the public, she added.

When it was mooted that the mostly dry river bed be filled in, and parts used to ease traffic, or for public transport, people had mobilised to nix the idea.

“Along this river, we encounter rich biodiversity, rare species of flora, wild and tame fauna, as well as archaeological remains that remain largely unknown to the general public,” said Theodosiou.

“These elements are a source of natural and cultural heritage that we must protect, preserve and highlight,” she added. “We want to bring people closer to its beauty and importance, to become a place that will strengthen connection to the community.”

The festival is being organised jointly with the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Association.

The mayor of Lakatamia, Photoulla Hadjipapa described the Pediaios as the “green core of Nicosia”.

Three riverside municipalities were working together through the Strategic Integrated Spatial Development plan to integrate and protect the areas around the river bed, creating gardens, hosting cultural and other events and collaborating with schools.

Goals include reducing waste, keeping the area clean, promoting climate-change awareness and sustainable practices.