Tree Planting Initiative Held at Pournara Migrant Centre in Cyprus

A joint environmental initiative led by the deputy migration ministry resulted in the planting of 115 trees at the Pournara migrant reception centre in Cyprus on Friday. The event was organized in collaboration with the non-profit organization Reforest Nicosia, which provided technical guidance on species selection and planting preparation. The activity involved centre residents, staff, and representatives from partner organizations including the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Frontex, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and CODECA. Specifically, 62 cypress and 53 pine trees were planted to improve the environmental quality of the facility. The initiative also aimed to foster participation and cooperation among those living and working at the centre. Additional support came from Elysee Irrigation Ltd, which donated irrigation materials and trees, while Vela Cyprus organized activities for children. Participating residents received certificates recognizing their contribution. According to the asylum service, this marked the first organized tree planting activity at the centre, highlighting a collaborative effort to enhance both the physical environment and social cohesion within the migrant reception facility.