Cyprus’ bid to join the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves has entered a substantial implementation phase, with the proposed area covering the communities in the valleys of the Xeros and Diarizos rivers in Paphos District, comprising a total of 32 villages, Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou says according to a statement issued on Sunday.
In her address at the official ceremony marking the inclusion of the Mount Parnon – Cape Maleas region in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, held on Saturday in Greece, the Commissioner congratulated everyone who had worked ‘with perseverance, scientific rigour, cooperation and vision’ to secure the region’s inscription on the Network.
She noted that she had visited the area around 10 years ago, as Director of the Akamas Project Management Plan, as part of cooperation with the then Management Agency for Mount Parnon and the Moustos Wetland. ‘Having come to know and greatly appreciate your region, as well as the richness of its human, cultural and natural heritage, I am sincerely delighted by its recognition and inclusion in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves,’ she said.
Theodosiou added that Cyprus embarked on the same ‘demanding and lengthy journey’ around a year and a half ago, drawing on the experience of Greece’s Biosphere Reserves, particularly Mount Parnon-Cape Maleas and the Asterousia Mountains in Crete.
She explained that her Office, as the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, had taken the initiative and was coordinating the preparation of the Republic of Cyprus’ first nomination for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The proposed site encompasses the communities in the valleys of the Xeros and Diarizos rivers in Paphos District, covering 32 villages.
‘The centuries-long human presence in this part of Cyprus has shaped a unique mosaic of landscapes, culture, archaeological wealth, traditions and productive activities, while at the same time preserving exceptionally rich biodiversity. These are the very elements that reflect the philosophy of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme,’ she added.
According to the Commissioner, the Cypriot nomination ‘has now entered a substantive phase of implementation’. Preparation of the nomination dossier began in January 2026, while a comprehensive consultation and participation process is under way in close collaboration with local authorities, government departments, producers, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations, local residents and other stakeholders across the region, she said.