During the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), a meeting of the EU Nature Directors was held in Paphos in April 2026, bringing together officials and experts in the field of nature protection from across Europe.
Within the framework of the Pandoteira project, a boat trip was organized on April 20, 2026, for the EU Nature Directors to the islet of Agios Georgios in Akamas. The aim of the trip was to highlight the ecological value of the area. The excursion started from the small harbour in Latsi and included a tour around the islet of Agios Georgios, as human presence on the islet is not permitted.
During the journey, an officer of the Game and Fauna Service informed the visitors about the ornithological importance of Agios Georgios, as the islet is nesting ground for the Shag subspecies Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii – a subspecies found only in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It is an impressive seabird that depends on rocky islets and steep rocky coasts for nesting, as well as on the sea for feeding. The specific subspecies is protected and is listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive.
Visitors were also informed about the threats Shags are facing in Cyprus, such as risks from rodents that prey on their eggs and chicks, disturbance from boats approaching too close to the rocks, as well as incidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch). Additionally, as Shags hunt fish by diving tens of meters underwater, they are also at risk of becoming entangled in fishing nets or abandoned fishing nets (ghost nets), which can lead to drowning.
Using binoculars, the visitors had the opportunity to observe Shags, as well as Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis), which also nest on the islet. The boat trip concluded with a short visit to the Blue Lagoon, where participants admired the crystal-clear blue waters.
This activity, combined with the other actions carried out during the Nature Directors meeting, contributed significantly to understanding the importance of protecting the Akamas Peninsula.
The short boat trip was organised by the Department of Environment and Terra Cypria, within the framework of the Pandoteira project.
Click here to find out more about our team’s efforts to protect Shags.
Photos: Anastasia Aristou (Terra Cypria)
