Larnaca is confidently consolidating its reputation as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Cyprus. Recently, it received the title “Green City of Cyprus 2025.” The award was granted within the framework of the Pancyprian Green Cities and Green Communities Awards program and became the result of many years of systematic work on greening, protecting coastal areas, and implementing environmentally friendly solutions in urban infrastructure.
Why Larnaca received the environmental award
As reported by the municipality, the decisive role was played by the project “Strengthening and expanding the green beaches initiative,” which participated in the category “Green zones — urban biodiversity.” The evaluation of applications was carried out by the Scientific Committee during an online meeting attended by all members of the commission. Following the expert assessment, Larnaca was once again included in the Network of Green Cities and Communities of Cyprus — an initiative created by the Cyprus Center for Environmental Research and Education CYCEREE.
This status not only highlights the municipality’s environmental achievements but also opens additional opportunities for participation in national and European sustainable development programs, including projects funded at the EU level.
Oroklini as a model of green coastal development
At the center of the recognized project is the municipal district of Oroklini, where a long-term program for the renewal of the coastal strip and adjacent urban areas has been implemented over recent years. The main focus is on large-scale greening and the introduction of nature-based solutions that contribute to improving the microclimate, preserving biodiversity, and increasing comfort for residents and tourists.
According to the municipality, more than 4,500 trees have been planted in this area over the past 9 years. Moreover, more than 1,500 of them appeared during 2025 alone. Such a pace of greening became one of the key factors that influenced the jury’s decision.
Which trees are shaping the city’s new appearance
The selection of plants was carried out taking into account Cyprus’s climatic features, proximity to the sea, and resilience to the urban environment. In the coastal zone in 2025, palms, wild olives, pines, cypresses, eucalyptus, and mastic trees were planted. In the urban part of Oroklini, green plantings were supplemented with ficus trees, carob trees, and mulberries.
The municipality emphasizes that such measures make it possible to significantly expand shaded areas, reduce heat load during the summer period, and decrease the district’s carbon footprint, which is especially important amid rising average annual temperatures in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ecology, technology, and sustainability
Greening has become only part of a comprehensive approach. In parallel, other sustainable development initiatives are being implemented in Oroklini. Among them are the installation of street lighting based on LED technologies, the use of photovoltaic systems to reduce energy consumption, and programs to encourage separate waste collection and recycling.
Special attention is given to protecting vulnerable natural areas, including Oroklini Lake, which is an important ecosystem site and a habitat for migratory birds. Environmental measures in this area are implemented in cooperation with state structures and local authorities, allowing the combination of nature protection with controlled development of urban infrastructure.
Larnaca’s green course and a look into the future
Representatives of the municipality note that the award received reflects the city’s consistent and long-term policy in the field of sustainable development. Larnaca is focusing on environmental planning, adaptation to climate change, and improving quality of life, viewing green areas not as a decorative element but as a key part of the urban strategy.
At a time when more and more cities in Cyprus are facing problems of overheating, lack of green spaces, and pressure from tourism, Larnaca’s experience is becoming a benchmark for other municipalities. The title “Green City of Cyprus 2025” confirms that investments in nature and sustainable solutions bring long-term results both for the economy and for society.