“Slow” Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Tatlısu

Year of certification: 2019

Environmental Protection and Energy

Tatlısu’s certification programme brought together water quality monitoring, waste recovery, renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. The dossier documented regular analyses of drinking water sources and coastal waters, alongside a municipal commitment to requesting annual air quality reports.

Waste separation containers supported the collection of paper, plastic, glass and metal. Green waste collected by the municipality was transformed into fertiliser for agricultural use.

Solar water heating was widely used in local homes. Municipal initiatives also addressed energy efficiency through insulation of the municipal building and solar energy applications at public facilities, including the Minia Cyprus Museum.

The Tatlısu Special Environmental Protection Area, its coastal habitats and the Nature Information Centre formed an important part of the municipality’s approach to environmental protection and public awareness.

Urban Quality and Resilience

Tatlısu’s approach to urban quality connected the conservation of natural and historic places with their use for community activities and tourism. The certification dossier described a resilience assessment identifying local risks, existing responses and proposals for future action.

Landscaping, planting and improvements to communal spaces supported the quality of the village environment. Municipal projects converted land into green spaces, playgrounds and areas for recreation and sport, while seeking to limit concrete construction within planted areas.

Productive trees were a particular priority. The municipality distributed young carob trees and supported the planting of carob and olive trees. The Fatma Çelik Sevgi Forest initiative, undertaken with the Youth Council in 2017, provided an example of community participation in planting activities.

Slow Mobility

The proximity of public buildings and services within Tatlısu’s village centre supported short journeys on foot and by bicycle. The dossier described a network of routes using roads shared with motor vehicles, including the old main road extending west from Yalı Street.

Bicycle parking beside the village-centre bus stop provided a connection between cycling and public transport.

Accessibility formed part of the municipality’s approach to public facilities and community life. Initiatives included transport assistance for residents with disabilities and a commitment to considering accessibility in municipal projects.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions

Fruit and vegetable cultivation, carob and olive trees, livestock farming and honey production feature in Tatlısu’s agricultural profile. The certification programme highlighted agroecology and the connection between local production, food traditions and rural livelihoods.

The municipal Public Education Centre supported women in learning traditional crafts and creating products for sale. Activities included silk cocoon work, Lefkara lace, basket weaving, painting and the production of souvenirs and bags.

Traditional foods prepared through the centre were sold at local festivals. The municipality-owned Zambak Holiday Village provided another link between farming and hospitality, using seasonal produce from organic gardens, including olives, olive oil and greens.

The Herb and Carob Festivals created opportunities to promote local products and maintain the visibility of traditional knowledge.

Social Cohesion and Health Services

Community participation was central to Tatlısu’s Cittaslow process. Municipal meetings, consultation with village representatives and cooperation with local associations supported discussion of community needs. A strategic planning workshop held with Eastern Mediterranean University’s Faculty of Architecture in 2017 contributed to this process.

The dossier documented a local healthcare centre and a round-the-clock municipal ambulance service. Public seminars addressed health and other subjects relevant to residents.

Family support included playgrounds, transport for children and visits to households with newborn babies. Activities organised with the Public Education Centre and local associations encouraged participation by residents with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

A youth centre, folk dancing and sporting activities provided further opportunities for young people to take part in community life.

Slow Tourism and Hospitality

Tatlısu’s tourism approach connects coastal landscapes, rural life, archaeology and cultural heritage. Attractions identified in the dossier included the Tatlısu Çiftlikdüzü Neolithic settlement, the Minia Cyprus Museum and the village church.

Signs along a hiking trail provided information about the route and local endemic plants. The Nature Information Centre also served an educational role, linking visitors with the area’s environmental and agricultural heritage.

The municipal Zambak Holiday Village and public beach combined visitor facilities with spaces for recreation. The certification programme favoured small-scale tourism and controlled development that respected the area’s rural character and natural resources.

List of Events

• Herb Festival: An event promoting local herbs, traditional foods and the area’s cultural heritage.

• Carob Festival: A celebration highlighting carob production and its connection with local livelihoods and traditions.

• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Events: Community activities included in the municipality’s social programme.

• Folk Dance Performances: Activities involving local young people and participants from different cultural backgrounds.

• Public Education Centre Exhibitions and Sales: Opportunities to present traditional handicrafts and foods produced through local courses.

• Youth and Sports Activities: Community activities associated with the youth centre, including football, archery and judo.