The Community Eco-Park in Alsancak/Karavas was inaugurated at a ceremony on Friday, June 5, World Environment Day, and embodies a shared commitment to protect Cyprus’ environmental and natural resources

Together with the community and other sponsors, USAID—through its Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) project—has helped create an innovative park the showcases the many possibilities for environmentally responsible landscaping. The Community Eco-Park in Alsancak/Karavas was inaugurated at a ceremony on Friday, June 5, World Environment Day, and embodies a shared commitment to protect Cyprus’ environmental and natural resources. Representative Alan Davis congratulated the community and business leaders that worked together to transform sound environmental practices into a beautiful—and educational—park for everyone to enjoy.

Every element of the park has been designed to protect Cyprus’ precious natural resources. Based on the principles of xeriscape or water-wise landscaping, it features indigenous plants which are well-adapted to arid climates and require minimal watering.

The design for the Eco-Park was created by Asli Özgürün, the winner of SAVE’s Xeriscape Park Design Contest

An efficient drip irrigation system will ensure that water is used precisely and as required by each planting area. Compost and mulch have been used throughout the plant beds to help retain water in the soil and to reduce evaporation and solar power will provide lighting.

The design for the Eco-Park was created by Asli Özgürün, the winner of SAVE’s Xeriscape Park Design Contest. Ms. Özgürün received a certificate and her prize at the June 5 ceremony.

Support to this community initiative is part of SAVE’s work to build local capacity to better protect and manage Cyprus’ valuable natural and cultural resources. Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through better protection and management of the island’s natural critical resources.