The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) has joined forces with the organization “Agia Napa 2030” to strengthen its candidacy proposal. On November 15, 2024, the Rector of OUC, Professor Stavros Stavrou, and the Chairman of the organization “Agia Napa 2030,” Mr. Yiannis Karousos, signed the relevant framework for collaboration between the two entities. The partnership aims to bolster Ayia Napa’s candidacy with the contribution of OUC in areas such as sustainability, environmental protection, circular economy, and initiatives that promote outreach and the cultural heritage of the region.
Rector Professor Stavros Stavrou emphasized the Open University of Cyprus’s commitment to supporting “Agia Napa 2030” by providing academic and research assistance and involving its student and alumni community in environmental and other activities. This contribution will focus on disseminating scientific findings and implementing initiatives designed as part of the candidacy.
The Chairman of “Agia Napa 2030” noted that the organization’s initiatives reflect the aspirations of the local community, not only for competing for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030 but also for shaping the future of the entire Famagusta district, including its occupied areas, at cultural, social, and economic levels.
Both entities pledge to develop initiatives and projects concerning sustainability and environmental protection. These include actions for urban development, waste management, and energy conservation, aimed at enhancing Ayia Napa’s cultural and environmental heritage for 2030 and beyond. Furthermore, the two parties will collaborate on research programs, emphasizing adaptation to climate change, preservation of local ecosystems, biodiversity, and marine life in the region. Another objective is to enhance the socio-economic impact of sustainable practices on Ayia Napa’s cultural development, with the involvement of the OUC’s Chemical Engineering and Sustainability Engineering Laboratory in actions and educational programs. Students, alumni, and the wider community will be engaged in this process, fostering a culture of sustainability.
The meeting at the Open University of Cyprus was attended by Associate Professor Antonis Zorpas, Director of the postgraduate program “Environmental Sustainability Engineering” and Director of the Chemical Engineering and Sustainability Engineering Laboratory at OUC, which supports the scientific activities of Ayia Napa’s candidacy, Erato Ioanna Sarri, OUC international relations coordinator, and Antonis Minidis, administrative officer at the organization “Agia Napa 2030.”
