In Nicosia, climate action isn’t just discussed, it’s experienced, shared, and tasted. As part of sub-DEMO9.3, Gardens of the Future has been transforming community space into a hub for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), culture, and sustainable living. Two recent events brought together local leaders, innovators, and residents to explore how food, water, and nature can shape a more resilient Mediterranean city.
Garden Conversations: Leaders Share a Table for Climate Action
On 28 April 2025, the Gardens of the Future hosted a farm-to-table community dinner under the stars. Around twelve key figures from Cyprus’ environmental and innovation landscape joined this intimate gathering, including:
- Constantinos Yiorkadjis, Chairman of the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation
- Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos, Founder & Managing Partner at W11 Ventures, former Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus
- Stavriana Kofteros, Cofounder of the European Startup Network and Partner at W11 Ventures
- Dr. Xenia I. Loizidou, Cofounder of ISOTECH Ltd and NGO AKTI Project and Research Centre
The dinner, prepared by Chef Petros Andrianou (3 Forks Lab), celebrated seasonal Cypriot ingredients and traditional preservation techniques. While the menu delighted, the conversation focused on the role of municipalities, private initiatives, and community spaces in mainstreaming nature-based innovation and fostering inclusive climate leadership.
This event was a reminder that resilience grows from trust, dialogue, and shared experience, principles that guide the work in Nicosia.
From Garden(s) to Table: A Culinary Journey into Urban Sustainability
Between 21 May and 11 June 2025, the Gardens hosted a four-part Farm-to-Table Education Series celebrating sustainability, cultural exchange, and the upcoming installation of a vertical farming system by project partner VerticalFarm Italia.
Each Wednesday evening, the Gardens became an open-air kitchen led by a member of Nicosia’s Nepalese community, who prepared traditional dishes using fresh, local, and garden-grown ingredients.
Guests included a mix of journalists, municipal officials, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and neighbours. Each evening featured:
- Live zero-waste cooking sessions
- Personal stories about food heritage and sustainable living
- Guided tours of the Gardens and discussions about the vertical farm installation
- Informal conversations on urban agriculture, community resilience, and circular water use
The series offered a tangible introduction to the values behind vertical farming and NbS: local production, reduced environmental footprint, and stronger community connection.
sub-DEMO9.3 in Nicosia
Led by Gardens of the Future, sub DEMO9.3 explores how vertical farming and circular water use can transform urban living. Beyond technical installations, the sub demo invests in public engagement through education, cultural activities and community activation, turning climate innovation into everyday practice.
These events in Nicosia demonstrate that Nature Based Solutions are not only technical solutions, they are also cultural and social ones. They can be grown, cooked, shared and enjoyed at the table, creating a direct link between climate innovation and everyday community life.
