The European Union has pledged approximately €4.4 million to fund the rehabilitation and extension of the Pedieos (Kanlıdere) Linear Park from southern Nicosia into the Turkish Cypriot community.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability and intercommunal cooperation in Cyprus.
The project, to be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to transform the Kanlıdere river area into a shared, eco-friendly public space where residents can walk, cycle, and connect with nature.
The development will include new recreational areas, improvements to the river’s natural ecosystem, and measures to prevent flooding and erosion. Green pathways and raised walkways will be used to protect local flora and fauna, ensuring that the river’s natural beauty is preserved.
In a statement, the European Commission Representation in Cyprus highlighted the project’s dual focus on environmental restoration and community engagement. It aims to create a peaceful space for both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents, strengthening social ties through shared access to green urban areas.
The European Commission’s DG REGIO acting Deputy Director-General Nicola De Michelis said:
The EU is supporting projects that improve green spaces and promote sustainable development in cities across Cyprus.
With this project, we aim to turn the Pedieos River into a great example of innovation, eco-friendly development, and care for nature. This will help improve life for local residents and encourage better city planning. Projects like this show the EU’s strong commitment to protecting the environment, supporting cooperation between communities, and preserving nature in urban areas.
The Head of the UNDP Cyprus office Mr. Jakhongir Khaydarov stated:
This project exemplifies UNDP’s commitment to restoring ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and fostering social cohesion and reconciliation. By implementing this project, we not only enhance the environmental value of the area but also create a shared space for cultural and recreational engagement. This initiative is part of UNDP’s broader pledge to support nature-based solutions and sustainable development, ensuring that both people and the planet can thrive together.
The EU foresees financing of the project with around EUR 4.4 million.
Launch of the First Phase
The first phase of the “Kanlıdere Rehabilitation Project” was officially launched yesterday.
The Head of the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit of the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission, Giulia Bertezzolo, expressed her appreciation for the project, noting that it was both environmentally friendly and suitable for cycling along the buffer zone.
The Director of the UNDP Cyprus Office, Cihangir Haydarov, highlighted the project’s importance due to its contribution to the environment.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, stressed the project’s potential to create a significant impact and expressed his hope that the project would be completed and unite both sides at a single point.
The Mayor of Nicosia, Haralambos Pruncos, stressed the importance of providing a natural area where people can walk, cycle, and gather.
The Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality, Mehmet Harmancı, pointed out that Kanlıdere was a vital source of life flowing from both sides of Lefkoşa, stressing that the project would transform the stream into a living space where the community can come together.
Next steps
The first phase of the rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by November 2025, with the entire project anticipated to be finished by September 2027, after final confirmation by the EU. The connection to the existing Pedieos Linear Park in the southern part of the Buffer Zone will be implemented by Nicosia Municipality.
