Monthly waterbird counts, conducted systematically for more than two decades by the Game and Fauna Service and BirdLife Cyprus, show a decline in the species’ population in Cyprus. Specifically, from 2013 to the present, a decrease of around 14–31% has been observed. A summary of the species’ status in Cyprus was recently presented at the 4th International Flamingo Symposium, which took place in Italy from 10–15 November 2025.

Possible factors behind the significant decline of the species on our island include frequent droughts, inflows of poor-quality water leading to reduced food availability, pressures from development, and incompatible activities around the wetlands.

As part of the Pandoteira Project, a ten-year project co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, gaps in knowledge are being addressed regarding the specific dietary, breeding, and resting requirements of certain species, as well as the quantification of the threats they face. One of the species studied by the project is the Greater flamingo.

Filling these knowledge gaps will enable the adoption of targeted conservation actions to improve the status of the species in specific Special Protection Areas, Natura 2000 sites designated for wild birds. As a result, conservation objectives can be achieved both for the species and for the Natura 2000 Network sites in which they occur.

To find out more about the Pandoteira project, click here.

Cover photo: Marios Andreou (Frederick University)

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Starting from the Kionia picnic area, we visited three stations.

• First, we learned how to identify the reptiles of Cyprus, by observing preserved specimens in alcohol of the different species that live on our island. We also discussed basic differences that allow us to identify them easily.
• Then we learned how to safely and respectfully locate reptiles in nature. How experts catch and handle them, either for research purposes or for removing from residential areas, and how they are released safely back into their natural environment. We learned and tried to apply the “rock flipping” method, where one can carefully find reptiles under rocks, as they often use them as shelter. We also saw how experts “fish” reptiles without harming them, by tying a loop of dental floss onto a long rod. Although we tried to catch lizards using this method … it’s harder than it sounds.
• At the third station, we learned how to deal with emergencies and injuries in nature. It’s crucial to know how to protect both ourselves and the environment and be well prepared for future outdoor activities.

Afterwards, we walked a part of the Kionia – Prophet Elias trail, where we enjoyed the spectacular view and were informed about the biodiversity of the area. For those who did not want to join the hike, our team had prepared reptile-themed crafts. Children and adults made magnets, figures, and collages in the shape of lizards, snakes, and chameleons.

The Pandoteira project deals with the management of the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus, with the purpose of making the network more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The project is co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, it is coordinated by the Department of Environment and has 13 other associated beneficiaries from Public Bodies, Universities, NGOs and private companies. Find out more about the project’s Partners here.

To learn more about the Pandoteira project follow this link.

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European Landscape Ecology Congress

Members of our team from the Open University of Cyprus participated in the European Landscape Ecology Congress, which took place in Bratislava (Slovakia), between on September 2 – 5, 2025. The cοngress brought together dozens of academics and researchers from across Europe, providing an important platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

During the congress we had the opportunity to present the relevant results of the Pandoteira project. The presentation, titled “Unlocking Nature’s Value in Cyprus: The Contribution of Protected Areas to Ecosystem Services”, focused on outlining the methodological approach and sharing the first qualitative insights from the Ecosystem Services assessment of Natura 2000 areas in Cyprus.

In addition, the results of our project concerning the mapping of ecosystem services in selected areas of the Natura 2000 network were presented.

MPA4CHANGE Training

A member of our team from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research participated in the MPA4CHANGE Training on Vulnerability Assessment (VA), which was held between September 22 and 26, 2025, in Croatia. The aim of the training was to share tools and ideas to help Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPA) adapt to a changing climate.

Over three days, 11 managers of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas—coming from Tunisia, Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, and Cyprus—immersed themselves in the tools developed by MPA4Change. They learned how to:

• Apply the climate vulnerability assessment tool to evaluate exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity in their MPAs.
• Design participatory processes that include all relevant stakeholders.
• Transform these analyses into adaptation and mitigation plans that strengthen marine management from both ecological and social perspectives.

It is expected that future collaborative initiatives and participation in joint research efforts will emerge through the implementation of the MPA Vulnerability Assessment Tool and the integration of its results into the management plans being developed under the Pandoteira project.

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On May 24th we organised an educational hike at Cape Greco. Participants had the opportunity to observe and learn about the area’s unique geomorphology, as well as its flora and fauna, which are protected under the Natura 2000 network. Additionally, the public had the chance to enjoy the unique sunset accompanied by the sounds of live unplugged traditional music.

On Sunday May 25th 2025, our team organised a number of activities for children and adults at Thalassa Museum, in Ayia Napa. The activities included:

• Bird ringing and bird release
• Interactive educational games related to sea life
• Treasure hunt
• Theatre workshop
• Thalassa Museum guided tour
• Traditional carrot spoon sweet making
• Documentary screening dedicated to the sea and the Natura 2000 areas.

The activities were coordinated by Terra Cypria, and were executed with the support of representatives from the: Department of Forests, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Game and Fauna Service, BirdLife Cyprus, Open University of Cyprus and Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus.

What is Natura 2000?

The Natura 2000 European Ecological Network is a wide European network of protected natural areas for species of flora, fauna, birds and habitats. Apart from protecting nature and biodiversity, the Natura 2000 network offers us great benefits. For example, the network helps mitigate climate change, protects us from natural disasters, contributes to food security, offers us purified water, attracts visitors thus contributing to the support of regional economies, while at the same time supports full time jobs.

The Pandoteira project

The Pandoteira project deals with the management of the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus, with the purpose of making the network more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The project is co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, it is coordinated by the Department of Environment and has 13 other associated beneficiaries from Public Bodies, Universities, NGOs and private companies. Find out more about the project’s Partners here.

To learn more about the Pandoteira project follow this link.

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The aim of the workshop was to provide information on the provisions of the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), as well as the corresponding national legislation. Public prosecutors play a particularly important role in ensuring the proper enforcement of this legislation during the prosecution and substantiation of various forms of wildlife crime. In doing so, they help safeguard the integrity of the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus.

Topics presented to participants included:

• The Pandoteira project and insights into the biodiversity and ecosystem services of Natura 2000 areas
• The European Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds (2009/147/EC) Directives and relevant national legislation
• The criminal dimension of environmental law, with a focus on environmental crime and the Directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law (EU) 2024/1203
• The role of public prosecutors in establishing such offenses
• Major causes of wildlife mortality
• Case studies on the illegal killing of animals (e.g., poisoning, poaching)
• Crucial evidence in wildlife crime cases – Expert testimonies (e.g., genetic, forensic, toxicological)

Presentations were delivered by officials from the Legal Service of the Republic, the Department of Environment, the Game and Fauna Service, the State General Laboratory, the Veterinary Services, the non-profit organization Terra Cypria, and an expert in animal genetics and biodiversity.

This workshop was offered within the framework of the Pandoteira project, which focuses on managing the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus. The project’s purpose is to make the Natura 2000 network more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The project is co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, the coordinating beneficiary is the Department of Environment, while the consortium also includes 13 associated beneficiaries from public bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and private companies.

Learn more about the Pandoteira project here.

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Μembers of our team, from the Game and Fauna Service and BirdLife Cyprus, were there to assist participants in observing the European Shag and the Yellow-legged Gull through telescopes and binoculars. Along with being informed about the importance of placing tracking devices on birds, some lucky few had the opportunity to go on a scientific boat ride around the island of Geronisos. In addition, kids also engaged in creative activities and crafts, with the guidance of Terra Cypria.

The event was an opportunity for people to learn about the European Shag and the Yellow-legged Gull, as well as discover the monitoring work our team conducts for these bird species.

Why does the Pandoteira project study European Shags and Yellow-legged Gulls?

Cyprus is home to the Shag subspecies Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii, which nests only in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Unfortunately, the global population of the species has suffered a significant decline in the last 30 years, which is why our contribution to its protection is required.

European Shags and Yellow-legged Gulls, like many bird species, serve as biodiversity indicators. Their population trends can provide valuable insights into the overall health of Cyprus’ marine and coastal ecosystems. Significant changes in their numbers may reflect broader environmental shifts, such as fish population changes or pollution impacts. By studying these birds, we can take action to protect both wildlife and humans.

The Pandoteira project focuses on managing the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus. Its purpose is to make the Natura 2000 network more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The project is co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, the coordinating beneficiary is the Department of Environment, while the consortium also includes 13 associated beneficiaries from public bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and private companies.

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More specifically, the pupils visited last November the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Centre (CyMARC) of DFMR in Meneou – which also functions as a First Aid, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for injured and sick sea turtles. During their visit, the children witnessed the release of Amalia into her natural environment. However, our team’s awareness-raising efforts did not stop there. On February 4th, 2025, members of our team from the DFMR visited the same pupils at their school and helped them learn even more about sea turtles, through interactive educational games dedicated to these fascinating creatures.

These educational games, which were developed under a previous European project (LIFE EUROTURTLES), teach children about the life cycle of protected marine species such as sea turtles, their diet, and the threats they face in the Mediterranean. At the same time, the teach kids simple practices they can adopt to contribute to the protection of sea turtles and the marine environment as a whole.

As of May 2022, members of the Pandoteira team, under the guidance and coordination of the DFMR, have presented interactive educational programmes to more than 2,000 students. These programmes focus on marine protected species and marine conservation.

The Pandoteira project focuses on managing the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus. Its purpose is to make the Natura 2000 network more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The project is co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, the coordinating beneficiary is the Department of Environment, while the consortium also includes 13 associated beneficiaries from public bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and private companies.

For more information about the educational games, please contact us on info@pandoteira.cy.

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Two of our project partners, Terra Cypria and Frederick University, joined forces in order to offer participants the basic knowledge to design and promote their own environmentally friendly business, operating within or in close proximity to Natura 2000 protected areas. Terra Cypria handled the organization and promotion of the workshop, whereas Frederick University, with Dr Athanasia Tzortzi, offered the free training.

The participants, from all age groups, shared a common passion: their love for the environment and their desire to highlight the local and natural products of their region. The workshop was full of energy and discussions, with attendees exchanging ideas and perspectives on the challenges they face while sharing personal experiences and inspiring business plans.

We were delighted to have with us local community leaders, who discussed the entrepreneurial potential of their communities, proposing ways to promote local products, natural landscapes, and activities that could take place in their villages, with the ultimate goal of supporting their residents.

During the lunch break, everyone had the opportunity to taste delicious local products and experience the warm hospitality of Lofou’s residents. It was a special moment of relaxation, with all attendees enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their support and express our gratitude to the community leader of Lofou for the warm hospitality in his village. More workshops will follow in various districts of Cyprus, offering new opportunities for learning and development in the Natura 2000 network areas.

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How did the kids spend their day?

• They learnt about sand dunes and their importance, by the Department of Environment.
• They experienced birdwatching with the guidance and help of the Game and Fauna Service, and BirdLife Cyprus.
• With the guidance of Terra Cypria, they observed and learnt about the lake’s invertebrates, using stereoscopes to observe the tiny brine shrimp Artemia, which forms a key part of the salt lake’s food chain.

Every year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd. This “celebration” aims to raise public awareness about the importance of wetlands, which are among the most valuable ecosystems on the planet. Wetlands:

• Replenish underground water reserves.
• Provide cleaner water by acting as natural filtration systems.
• Regulate the climate, offering cooler summers and milder winters.
• Help mitigate the greenhouse effect by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide.
• Offer protection against floods and erosion.
• Support a rich biodiversity, with many plant and animal species thriving there, including endemic species that can only survive in specific wetlands.
• Attract visitor for observing, exploring, and photographing diverse landscapes, wildlife and plant life.

This year’s theme for the celebrations is “Wetlands for Our Common Future,” reminding us that wetlands are a global asset. Unfortunately, they face numerous threats, mainly due to human activities.
In Cyprus, development works around the island’s largest and most important wetlands impact water quality, increase disturbance and contribute to waste pollution. Birds can serve as indicators of an area’s environmental quality, and sadly, the number of flamingos visiting and wintering in Cyprus’ wetlands has declined significantly over the past decade.

As part of the Pandoteira Project, actions are being taken to address knowledge gaps concerning the dietary, nesting, and resting needs of certain species, as well as to quantify the threats they face. Flamingos are one of these species.

Filling these knowledge gaps will allow for the adoption of targeted conservation measures to improve the species’ status in specific Special Protection Areas (SPAs). As a result, conservation goals can be achieved, not only for flamingos but also for the Natura 2000 network sites where they are found.

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Students participating in the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme and the Erasmus+ Programme attended the presentation and were involved in a very interesting discussion. Teenagers from Cyprus, Greece, Serbia and Austria expressed their thoughts about how they themselves perceive climate change, how this affects the environment and in which way youth can act.

The presentation was held in English and a reference was made about the value of the Natura 2000 network and the importance of its management for the protection of habitat types and species of flora and fauna. The pupils were also informed about the Pandoteira project, its dissemination and awareness-raising activities and about how the youth can be involved to help the work of scientists and decision makers.

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