Workshop “Sustainability, Environment and Real Estate” in Neapolis University in Cyprus

Workshop within the framework of the course “Sustainability, Environment and Real Estate” was held on December 16, 2013 in the Neapolis University in Cyprus from the School of Architecture, Land and Environmental Sciences.

The conference was moderated by Dr. Julia Georgi, Assoc. Prof. Landscape Architecture and Director of European and Research Programs of the University. In her introduction she said inter alia that the Landscape Architecture – the design of our surroundings – not only gives greater economic value in construction, but its intervention serves the harmonious composition and satisfies the aesthetic as well as the functional needs of society, with respect to the environment. This is one facet of scientific activity, according to Dr. Georgi, who among other things strengthens the functional relationship between man and environment. The event was also greeted by Environment Commissioner Ioanna Panayiotou, which was read by Mr. Andreas Masouras, Lecturer in Communication and Media Policy in Neapolis University in Cyprus. Ms. Panayiotou stressed the importants of understanding the concept of sustainable development as the only model that can bring the ecology, economic and social balance and a fair prospect for young people. She also emphasized that the current developments, designs and implementations is to serve the future generations.

Dr. Christos Volos, Assoc. Professor of Finance and Real Estate and Project Director of the Real Estate in the Neapolis University in Cyprus analysed the current economic crisis in relation to the content of the workshop. Mr. Costas Hatzipanagiotou, Director of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, noted the need for environmental studies, both in projects and programs if they are to be used as a tool for sustainable development. Dr. Theodora John, Environment Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, analysed the Methodology for environmental studies and the impact assessment and presented the main points of the Network Management Areas – Natura 2000.