Cross-sectoral environment strategy 2017-2022

This Cross-sectoral Environment Strategy is a nationwide document for the period 2017-2022 aiming at achieving the strategic Vision of a "sustainable clean protected environment", as well as achieve the following objectives (i) achieve low and controlled environmental pollution levels; (ii) conserve and manage the natural environment and biodiversity in a sustainable way; (iii) adopt the necessary measures to adapt to the effects of climate change, reduce desertification, and confront disasters and environmental emergencies; (iv) update and integrate the environmental legislative system, empower and make efficient the environmental institutional framework, and strengthen international cooperation; (v) enhance levels of environmental awareness, knowledge, and behavior. The aforementioned strategic objectives and policies are in line with the National Policy Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and the Strategy has been prepared in full partnership with government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions.
To make agriculture more productive and sustainable, the sector shall (i) regulate the use of pesticides and fertilizers and the proper disposal of waste resulting from agricultural operations; (ii) rationalize and enhance the efficiency of using the water available for agriculture; (iii) intensify the use of organic farming; and (iv) enhance measures to adapt to climate change-related to agricultural activities
In order to increase the resilience of livelihoods to disasters, main actions are directed to (i) develop procedures for linking diseases and their causes of environmental pollutants; (ii) encourage the use of clean and renewable energy in all sectors, also from a legislative point of view; (iii) take the necessary measures and procedures to reduce pollution resulting from maritime transport; (iv) ensure the protection and sustainable management of water resources; (v) promote sanitation management according to sound environmental and economic foundations; (vi) encourage the reuse and utilization of treated wastewater; (vii) develop integrated management of water bodies; (viii) encourage green building; (ix) combat desertification and improve land reclamation practices from an environmental point of view; (x) encourage the collection and utilization of rainwater in housing projects, government buildings, and infrastructure; (xi) transform knowledge into behavior that preserves the environment, and raise the level of knowledge and awareness of environmental issues in classroom and extra-curricular activities; (xii) increase interest in scientific and applied research in the field of environment.
As for Governance, the responsibility to achieve the aforementioned policies rests with each sector and its key partners, through appropriate interventions and activities. The Environment Quality Authority will provide the necessary technical support and expertise to assist each sector in integrating the environment within the proposed environmental policies.