The Municipality of Limassol is making steady progress towards achieving climate neutrality, as it participates in the European mission for 100 climate-neutral and “smart” cities by 2030. In fact, it recently hosted the international conference “Climate Neutral Blue Cities by 2030”.
The European Green Deal aims to tackle climate change and transform Europe into a climate-neutral continent by 2050. Limassol, like the other cities participating in the mission, is working on a pilot basis towards this direction with a 2030 horizon, in order to share both the challenges and problems it will face, as well as the know-how it acquires, with other European cities.
With an organised structure, international partnerships, and emphasis on funding and citizen participation, Limassol is seeking to accelerate its path towards climate neutrality, setting as a key objective the transformation of its strategic vision into mature, fundable projects.
A central role is played by the Transition Office established within the Municipality, which monitors and implements Limassol’s Climate Contract, ensuring cooperation among municipal services, scientific coordinators, and external consultants. At the same time, it remains in constant communication with the municipal leadership so that political commitments are translated into concrete interventions.
The Municipality is strengthening its participation in European projects by undertaking the management, monitoring progress, and evaluating new proposals based on their compatibility with climate neutrality goals. Particular emphasis is also placed on pilot applications that can serve as models.
One of the programmes in which Limassol participates is metaCCAZE, with a budget of €1.99 million and a duration of four years. The programme is leaving a significant legacy in Limassol, including 100 electric bicycles, nine small buses for the WeeDrive service, as well as the multimodal station planned for the outdoor area of Tsirion Stadium (pending the issuance of a planning permit). At the same time, the design of a mobility hub at EFKAF is foreseen, for which the preparation of a master plan has recently been put out to tender.
The DECARBONLIM programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Limassol port through the installation of onshore power supply infrastructure for ships, allowing them to switch off their engines while docked. With a budget of €1.169 million, the programme is expected to be completed by October 2026, while at a later stage funding will be sought for the implementation of the project.
The EcoZani programme aims to “green” Limassol’s carnival celebrations through the adoption of good practices implemented in other countries and in Kozani, Greece. During this period, the actions to be implemented are being defined, with a budget of €120,000.
Significant progress is also being recorded in the creation of institutions and cooperation networks. The Municipality coordinates committees, participates in national and international networks, and develops the “Limassol Community” through consultations and workshops with citizens, strengthening participation and transparency in decision-making. Projects such as the green routes and the Aktaia Road went through a consultation process via the “Limassol Community”.
Limassol is also strengthening its international presence through participation in conferences and collaborations with organisations, NGOs, and technical bodies, with the aim of exchanging know-how and attracting investments.
Citizen awareness forms a key pillar of the effort, with communication actions, events, and a strong digital presence, while the organisation of conferences and participation in major events further enhance the public image of the mission.
Particular emphasis is placed on the development and maturation of projects through Project Concept Notes (PCNs), with the aim of ensuring stable funding, while at the same time the creation of a Green Fund to mobilise private investment is being examined.
The Municipality has entered into partnerships with universities and research institutions for the development of sustainable mobility, urban regeneration, and spatial planning models, which act as scientific advisors for the strategic direction of the mission. Specifically, an agreement has been signed with the University of Cyprus, in cooperation with Frederick University, for the development of a model concerning sustainable mobility, urban regeneration, and spatial development, in collaboration with the municipalities of Amathounta and Polemidia. In addition, there is an agreement with The Cyprus Institute, which acts as scientific advisor to the local authority.
Finally, the staffing of the Transition Office is progressing through new recruitments and job vacancy announcements, strengthening the Municipality’s operational capacity through to 2030.
