**Integrated Regeneration Scheme Unveiled for Troodos Communities**
The Institute for Research and Development for Mountain Areas of Mediterranean Islands (MountMed Institute) has officially launched the Integrated Regeneration Programme aimed at revitalizing the Mountain Communities of Troodos. This initiative has received a significant boost through a €1-million donation from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation, which was initially announced in November 2025.
This Programme marks the first phase of a comprehensive long-term strategy designed to support the regeneration and resilience of communities impacted by the devastating wildfires that occurred in 2025 in the mountainous Limassol region. The launch signifies a shift from preliminary scientific assessments and strategic planning to actionable interventions that are intended to yield tangible benefits for local communities, enhance livelihoods, improve environmental conditions, and stimulate the regional economy.
The scientific groundwork for this Programme was laid out in the Diagnosis and Regeneration Action Plan, created by the MountMed Institute with assistance from the A. G. Leventis Foundation. This plan goes beyond merely documenting the damage caused by the wildfires; it offers a thorough evaluation of the ecological, productive, social, and spatial consequences of the disasters. Moreover, it identifies essential conditions for long-term regeneration.
Key to the Action Plan is the emphasis on reconnecting ecological restoration with productive activities, promoting sustainable land management, fostering social cohesion, preserving cultural identity, and empowering local communities to effectively plan and manage their territories. The Action Plan is organized around seven strategic intervention pillars, which encompass 20 interventions and 56 specific actions. This structured approach aims to facilitate implementation, coordination, monitoring, and accountability.
In conjunction with the Programme launch, the Mountain Regeneration Hub has been introduced as an open digital platform. This Hub provides access to the Diagnosis, the Action Plan, ongoing interventions, and relevant technical documentation. It is important to note that the Hub is not intended for fundraising purposes; rather, it serves as a resource for evidence-based planning, transparency, and coordination. It acts as a conduit between documented community needs and potential contributors, including local communities, public authorities, civil society organizations, private individuals, and responsible businesses.
Katerina Tsangari, Head of Packaging Circularity and ESG Initiatives at Coca-Cola HBC, expressed gratitude on behalf of The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation, stating, “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the MountMed Institute for bringing this initiative to life, and for their steadfast dedication over the past months in shaping a programme that is both ambitious and deeply rooted in local needs.” The donation from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation is part of a broader commitment to support local communities during crises and aligns closely with the Coca-Cola HBC Group’s long-term vision of creating shared value.
The regeneration of the wildfire-affected areas in mountainous Limassol is recognized as a national priority, necessitating prompt and coordinated action to restore the region and redefine a sustainable future for Cyprus’ mountain communities. The Integrated Regeneration Programme is poised to play a crucial role in this effort, aiming to foster resilience and sustainability in the face of environmental challenges.