First Phase Of Kanlıdere Rehabilitation Project Completed, Promotion Event Held

The project aims to create a 3.7-kilometre green corridor and shared public space once fully finished.

A promotional event marking the completion of the first phase was held today in Nicosia at the Dayanışma Evi located in the buffer zone.

The project is financed under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by UNDP.

Speakers at the event included Lefkoşa Türk Belediyesi Mayor Mehmet Harmancı, South Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, Head of the European Commission’s Cyprus Settlement Support Unit Giulia Bertezzolo, and UNDP Cyprus Director Jakhongir Khaydarov, along with other EU, UNDP officials and project stakeholders.

Mehmet Harmancı said the importance of the Kanlıdere project has been presented to EU officials and international organisations since 2016, adding that the completion of the first phase marks a historic milestone.

He said the project represents one of the first concrete bi-communal initiatives that will directly improve daily life in Nicosia, adding that he looks forward to the second phase.

Charalambos Prountzos described Kanlıdere as an important element linking Nicosia’s history and natural heritage, saying the green corridor will help bring people from both sides together.

Giulia Bertezzolo said the opening of the walking and cycling route fulfils a commitment made a year ago and will provide a shared space where people from both communities can meet in a natural environment.

UNDP Cyprus Director Jakhongir Khaydarov said the initiative combines environmental restoration, sustainable urban development, and confidence-building cooperation, noting that the rehabilitation of Kanlıdere strengthens environmental resilience while creating new opportunities for interaction and trust-building.

Following the speeches, participants joined a walk and cycling event along the newly completed section, and the ceremony concluded with a symbolic tree planting.