Joint Call for Responsibility During Environment Protection Week
Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of Cyprus International University, emphasized in her statement for Environment Protection Week (June 5–11) that environmental problems are no longer issues of the future but among the most important realities of today.
Kıdak noted that Environment Protection Week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues and stated that the concept of sustainability has gained a much more concrete meaning in recent years. She explained that climate change, the rapid depletion of natural resources, and environmental pollution are affecting every aspect of life. She also stressed that the unconscious consumption of natural resources poses serious risks for future generations.
Highlighting that Northern Cyprus is located in an environmentally sensitive region, Kıdak emphasized the vital importance of protecting water resources. Although water is supplied from Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, she noted that population growth and increasing consumption habits are placing greater pressure on existing resources. She pointed out that water consumption rates in regions such as Nicosia and İskele continue to rise each year. For a sustainable future, she stressed that it is not enough merely to secure water supplies; water must also be used consciously and efficiently.
Kıdak stated that the environmental challenges facing Northern Cyprus are not limited to water resources. She identified plastic pollution, unplanned urban development, and the frequent forest fires experienced during the summer months as serious threats to the environment. However, she also noted that significant progress has been made in sustainability efforts in recent years. Initiatives such as zero-waste practices and deposit-return systems have contributed to the development of environmental awareness. She added that conservation efforts for loggerhead sea turtles at Alagadi Beach are important indicators of the community’s growing environmental sensitivity.
Emphasizing that Cyprus International University has been carrying out pioneering work in the fields of environment and sustainability, Kıdak stated that waste separation at the source is successfully implemented across the university campus, treated wastewater is used for landscape irrigation, and the biogas production facility currently under construction represents a significant investment in environmentally friendly energy generation.
Kıdak further explained that sustainability is based on a balanced way of living in harmony with nature. She stressed that environmental protection is not solely the responsibility of institutions or public authorities but a shared responsibility of all members of society. Pointing out that simple changes in daily behavior can have significant impacts, she said that practices such as conserving water, choosing reusable products, and keeping the environment clean can make important contributions to a sustainable future.
Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak concluded by stating that protecting the natural wealth of Northern Cyprus is a shared responsibility toward future generations and environmental awareness should be maintained not only during special days and weeks but in every aspect of daily life.