ANEL, in collaboration with the SURF Lab of the University of Cyprus and the Municipality of Latsia-Geri, carried out a community planting activity on the pedestrian street next to the Latsia Health Center, as part of the European project “Streets for Citizens” and “open your streets activity”. The community planting took place on January 10th 2026.
Citizens of all ages actively participated in the activity, including children and students from local schools, organized groups, families and individual residents. The strong turnout highlighted the community’s interest and enthusiasm for improving their neighborhood and public space. Notably, the Mayor of Latsia-Geri joined the activity, planting herbs alongside citizens, members of the Municipal Council and municipal staff, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
Several participants even brought their own plants from home, further enriching the intervention area and strengthening the sense of ownership and connection to the space. This spontaneous contribution enhanced the feeling of community and demonstrated how small collective actions can significantly improve the urban environment.
The planting activity forms part of the “Walking Together in Latsia & Geri” initiative, which followed a participatory workshop where residents were invited to share ideas and co-decide the type of intervention for the area. During the event, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the Streets for Citizens project, understand the vision for the pedestrian street and see first-hand how tactical urbanism can be used to gradually transform public spaces.
This intervention marks only the beginning. Further upgrades are planned, including the installation of shaded areas, seating and urban equipment, aiming to make the space more sustainable, functional and welcoming for everyone.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers and participants whose engagement, creativity and dedication are helping shape a greener, more inclusive public space for the Latsia-Geri community.
