Nicosia Development Agency (ANEL) has acquired the role of the intermediary consultative body between the Ministry, the Municipalities, and other organisations (academia, NGOs, and private industry) for supporting the design and implementation of innovative and efficient projects in the waste management and circular economy field. ANEL's participation in the 2LIFES project helped shape two very relevant policy instruments: the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 and the Operational Program THALIA 2021–2027.
Through the exchange of best practices during the project, ANEL became particularly interested in the Reuse Center of Municipality of Serra De Conti – a re-use centre which is run by four municipalities in Region Marche (Serra de Conti, Arcevia, Barbara and Montecarotto). The main aim of the centre is the reduction of waste and the promotion of re-use. These municipalities' citizens can leave or collect reusable goods (without any charge). The centre is located and managed by the Municipality of Serra de Conti and is supported by a team of volunteers.
Therefore, with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, a proposal was prepared to transfer this best practice and develop an inter-municipal re-use centre in the District of Nicosia (Cyprus). This will help the government and local authorities reduce waste production and encourage the re-use philosophy by providing financial incentives (e.g. municipal tax incentives) to the citizens who choose to use and support the Initiative.
In fact, this initiative was also included in the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026, which foresees the construction and establishment of two inter-municipal re-use and repair centres in strategic locations in Cyprus, thus serving all five regions. As mentioned, one of the two centres is foreseen to be established within the district of Nicosia.
Following 2LIFES strong focus on social and green employment, these re-use and repair centres will be linked to social employment. To this end a link between environmental actions and social employment shall be established, aiming amongst others to integrate vulnerable groups (e.g., long-term unemployed, people with disabilities) into the labour market. Training programmes and courses for people that will operate the re-use centres and networks is envisaged as part of the capacity-building activities.
The re-use and repair centres shall provide at least the following features: a parking lot, a reception area, an exchange area, a warehouse, a repair point and a second-hand shop. The space shall provide easy access for people with reduced mobility and allow large objects to be easily transported. The building requirements are estimated at 2,000-2,500 m2 for indoor spaces and 3,000- 3,500 m2 for the needs for open spaces.
The construction and equipment cost of the Intermunicipal Reuse Centre in the District of Nicosia is estimated by the Department of Environment to be approximately €2.000.000, and the annual operation cost is circa €150.000.
The complete Action Plan can be found here.
