These last couple of months gave the Pandoteira project the opportunity to take part in several festivals and interact with the public.
European Researchers’ Night
Pandoteira took part in this year’s European Researchers’ Night, held on 25 September 2026 at the Cyprus State Fair grounds in Nicosia. Our project was represented by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR).
The event is organised every year by the Research and Innovation Foundation. It gives the public a chance to see the world of research and innovation up close, chat with researchers, scientists, academics and innovative entrepreneurs, and find out how science improves our everyday lives.
At the DFMR stand, visitors could play educational games about sea turtles and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
DesirMED Festival
Members of our team from Terra Cypria joined the 1st DesirMED Climate Adaptation Festival, “The Mediterranean We Want”, held on 26 September 2026 in Europe Square, Larnaca. The festival aimed to show people how humans and nature work together to tackle climate change, and to introduce nature-based solutions that help us adapt to a changing climate while creating multiple benefits for biodiversity and people.
Our participation gave us the opportunity to raise awareness of climate change, highlight the benefits of the Natura 2000 Network, and showcase the work of the Pandoteira project through interactive activities and informative material.
Festival of Tradition & Culture in Skarinou
On 1 October 2026, Pandoteira took part in the annual Festival of Tradition and Culture in Skarinou. The festival is organised every year by the Larnaca Rural Women’s Association in one of the villages of mountainous Larnaca. It celebrates and helps preserve Cyprus’s rich traditions, particularly those of the communities of Larnaca District, while supporting rural women and local producers. The festival is open to everyone and draws visitors from across Larnaca District and beyond.
Our information stand was staffed by members of our team from Terra Cypria and Frederick University. We were able to speak with visitors, especially people from the local community, about the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus and the project’s actions taking place in the area.
The festival was a great opportunity to talk directly with the public, share our information material and raise awareness about the project.
The Great Outdoor Event
Members of our team from Terra Cypria and the Department of Fisheries took part in The Great Outdoor Event, held on 3 and 4 October 2026 at The Warehouse in Limassol. The event was dedicated to outdoor lifestyle, adventure and activities in nature.
At our stand, visitors could take part in a quiz focusing on Natura 2000 sites in Cyprus and on good practices to follow when we head out into nature. We also handed out postcards promoting our Trip Packages dedicated to Natura 2000 sites. Our aim was to link the enjoyment of the outdoors with the importance of protecting nature and the Natura 2000 network.
5th “THALASSA” Festival
Terra Cypria represented Pandoteira at the 5th “THALASSA” Festival, held on 10 October 2026 in Limassol. The event was dedicated to the sea, shipping and Blue Economy.
At our stand, visitors could take part in a quiz on marine Natura 2000 sites in Cyprus. We wanted to make sure people who work in shipping and with the sea know about the Natura 2000 Network and why it matters.
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research also took part in the festival, with educational games which were developed as part of the Pandoteira project, along with information material.
