Good practice:

Developing Joint Sustainable Strategies (SECAPs) in 348 Cypriot Local Authorities

Local Authorities are recognized as important partners in the implementation of structural reforms and investments for accelerating the transition to a green economy. About a third of the population in Cyprus (241,584) lives in rural communities represented by 348 community councils. Rural communities consume considerable amounts of energy, corresponding to 37% of the CO2 emissions of Cyprus. Cyprus has committed to a reduction of 32% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 through its National Energy and Climate Plan, which will require significant action by all sectors of the economy and at all levels of governance.
Local Community Councils, however, are faced with several challenges that significantly impede their capacity to undertake sustainable energy and climate action. Increasing rates of rural to urban migration, low economic diversity, an ageing population and fewer assets have resulted in a lack of technical expertise and resources in Community Councils. As a result, community councils require technical assistance and guidance, to achieve their ambitious visions.
The project will finance the development of 32 joint SECAPs, covering 348 local authorities, which will act as a roadmap towards their 2030 sustainability targets and beyond. A SECAP comprises both climate mitigation and adaptation action and includes policies, investments and activities to promote climate neutrality and adaptation in different sectors, including private sector and businesses.

The technical support for the development of the joint SECAPs will be financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with an estimated budget 450.000 EUR. The technical support will be provided by the Cyprus Energy Agency to the Communities with the support of the Union of Cyprus Communities.

The project has already been approved by the European Commission under the Recovery and Resilience Facility aiming to increase the capacity of 348 small local authorities to implement successfully sustainable energy and climate projects.

Small local authorities need substantial technical support and capacity building for the development of SECAPs, which will enable them to convert their ambitious policies and targets into a roadmap supporting the implementation of sustainable energy and climate action, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in their resilience to climate change. All new energy and climate targets are aiming climate neutrality and with out local strategies in place this is very difficult to achieve.