About Us
OUR VISION
The Cyprus Environment Foundation (CEF) aims to protect and enhance the natural beauty, biodiversity and eco-systems of our beloved island of Cyprus by:
- Raising funds from people and businesses with strong connections to Cyprus, to support the best local initiatives working to sustain the diverse natural assets of the island.
- Supporting projects that bring both economic and social benefits to local communities, and which can be scaled up and replicated across the region.
- Building a strong network of people across Cyprus, united in boosting the work of local environmental champions.
The CEF was established in 2021 to help the communities of Cyprus become leaders in the transition towards long term resilience, biodiversity conservation, land regeneration, and general sustainability. We believe that environmental sustainability need not come at the cost of economic development – but, in fact, promote it.
By protecting and growing the natural capital of this special Mediterranean island, we seek to ensure health, abundance and resilience for its natural and human communities.
Our people
A Steering Committee (SC), composed of founding and actively involved donors, directs the strategy. They analyse and approve grants and use their personal networks to broaden the base of supporters. The SC members have a wide array of backgrounds and interests, but all share a passion for protecting Cyprus’ outstanding natural beauty.
Our local team consists of the Executive Director, the Operations and Communications Officer and a Project Manager in charge of day-to-day management and coordination work on the ground, assisted by scientific and technical advisors and the SC.
LOCAL TEAM
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Sofia Matsi
Executive Director
Driven by her deep love for the outdoors, Sofia developed an early appreciation for the unique habitats, natural ecosystems, and rich biodiversity of her homeland, Cyprus.
Over the past 13 years, she has been actively engaged in a wide range of environmental initiatives across the island. Her work includes helping establish a community-led heirloom seed-saving network, teaching and promoting permaculture practices, and contributing to efforts that strengthen Cyprus’s environmental legislation.
Sofia’s passion lies in advancing resilient food systems and exploring the potential of agroforestry and regenerative agriculture to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
She is currently pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Biodiversity at the University of Cyprus, where her research investigates innovative intercropping systems combining carob trees with legumes and aromatic plants. Through her work, she aims to identify the most adaptive and resilient agroecosystems for Cyprus and the wider semi-arid Mediterranean region.
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Stephanie Polycarpou
Operations & Communications Officer
Stephanie is joining the Cyprus Environment Foundation team with extensive experience in project and communications management. She has successfully led diverse initiatives, primarily in the cultural sector, with a focus on project development, event organization, and team leadership. Skilled in grant management and cultivating professional networks, she combines strategic vision with hands on execution.
Passionate about environmental sustainability, she actively participates in grassroots initiatives that focus on community involvement and advocacy, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental protection and conservation.
She believes that only through collective efforts—leveraging both modern technology and the knowledge passed down through generations—can we restore nature and establish healthy, sustainable social structures.
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Panayiotis Louca
Project Manager of the TUI Field to Fork Cyprus project
Panayiotis brings a strong academic background in environmental sciences, combining both the social and physical dimensions of sustainability. His studies and travels across diverse climates—including Nepal, the United States, Spain, and Scotland—have shaped his global perspective on environmental challenges and solutions.
His passion for nature began through the scouting movement, where he continues to volunteer, working with children to promote environmental literacy and youth engagement. With experience in corporate sustainability and extensive research in the voluntary carbon market, he is particularly interested in the power of corporations to drive meaningful sustainable development.
Passionate about biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and community engagement, he believes that “real solutions start from the ground, with local communities at the heart of a sustainable future.”
How we work
Working through communities
Encouraging more, and more effective, environmental philanthropy
Funding, developing and supporting projects that meet our aims
Raising people’s awareness of the natural world and its value
Improving understanding of conservation issues and ‘what works’
Promoting and supporting collective action
Helping businesses and consumers to act more sustainably
We strongly believe that supporting local environmental groups can make a positive impact and bring about long-lasting change.