Proposals submitted by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CYCERE) of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol received support of over 80%. These proposals call for the termination of the zoo’s operation and its transformation into a Biodiversity and Urban Environment Centre under the name “Nature”. The proposed centre will serve as an open green space for environmental education and active citizen participation.
The results of the online consultation were presented at an in-person consultation event with stakeholders and citizens, which took place at the Municipal Cultural Centre “Panos Solomonides”.
There, the Scientific Director of CYCERE, Dr Andreas Chatzichambis, announced that 81% of participants agree with ending the current operation of the zoo and safely relocating the animals.
At the same time, 91% of the approximately 500 participants in the online consultation agreed that emphasis should be placed on education and training on biodiversity and urban environment issues.
92% of participants support the educational and training programmes of the proposed centre, which will aim to strengthen environmental awareness and sensitivity among citizens, families, students and professionals.
Regarding the proposal to create an international network for environmental citizenship, disagreements were limited to only 4%, while the development of green areas and the integration of the space with the Public Garden received 94% approval. The level of disagreement was also extremely low (just 2%) for the proposal to transform the area into a green refuge for recreation, relaxation and meaningful contact with nature within the urban environment.
Summarising the results of the process, Dr Chatzichambis stated that the consultation carried out by CYCERE has shaped a proposal that gathers the overwhelming majority of Limassol residents, expressing the belief that, if implemented, it could become a genuine vision for the city.
During interventions by representatives of organisations and institutions, particular emphasis was placed on the need for the animals to be removed as soon as possible and safely, as well as for the Public Garden to be transformed into a unified green space, fully accessible and free of charge for citizens. The view was even expressed that the fencing around the area should be removed.
A professor from the Cyprus University of Technology, who attended the event, noted that the proposed educational and training programmes would provide an important opportunity for students and requested that they be given the opportunity to contribute actively.
Following the event, Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, responding to a question from “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, announced that at the next meeting of the Municipal Council the issue of terminating the operation of the zoo will be discussed, taking into account the clear direction given by citizens through the consultation process.
Earlier, the mayor had pointed out that the consultation on the zoo, forms part of a broader municipal plan for upgrading the entire area. This plan includes, among other things, the expansion of the city’s Archaeological Museum, the redevelopment of the Polydorides kiosk, and the connection of the Public Garden with the future Botanical Garden, the GSO, and the Foitidou orchard, through green routes that will extend to the coastal area.
Mr. Armeftis stressed that the aim is for the zoo area to enter a new era, aligning with the new vision for the city, which focuses on strengthening sustainability and environmental awareness.
CYCERE has already submitted to the Municipality of Limassol a comprehensive study of more than 110 pages, which includes the new proposal for the creation of the Limassol Biodiversity and Urban Environment Centre under the name “Nature”. The proposal provides for the termination of the zoo’s operation and the relocation of the animals, with full respect for their welfare, to approved zoos in Cyprus or abroad.
At the same time, the site is proposed to be transformed into an open green hub within the urban fabric, with a strong educational and experiential character.
According to Dr Chatzichambis, the new centre will host live workshops as well as educational and experiential programmes for families, students and citizens. Topics will include, among others, green mobility, light pollution, composting and the circular economy.
Special emphasis will also be placed on the use of digital tools, including interactive information panels and the creation of an outdoor museum for environmental awareness.
