Κάπου εκεί, σε θαμνώδεις και πετρώδεις περιοχές, ζει ένα φυτό που δεν υπάρχει πουθενά αλλού στον κόσμο – ο Αστράγαλος των Λευκάρων (Astragalus macrocarpus subsp. lefkarensis). Πρόκειται για ενδημικό υποείδος της Κύπρου, το οποίο έχει καταγραφεί σε μόλις 7 περιοχές του νησιού μας. Συγκεκριμένα, μπορούμε να το δούμε κοντά στα Λεύκαρα, την Ασγάτα, την Τόχνη, την Αλαμινό, τα Κελοκέδαρα, την Ίνεια και τον Κορμακίτη, σε υψόμετρα από 75 μέχρι 700 μέτρα.

Ονομάζεται Αστράγαλος των Λευκάρων επειδή το σχήμα των σπερμάτων του μοιάζει με ένα από τα οστά του ανθρώπινου αστράγαλου και πρωτοεντοπίστηκε στην περιοχή των Λευκάρων. Ο συνολικός πληθυσμός του υποείδους παραμένει μικρός.

Αν και είναι πολύ σημαντικό φυτό, δεν προσελκύει εύκολα την προσοχή. Είναι ένας μικρός, τριχωτός θάμνος, ύψους περίπου 30–60 εκατοστών. Οι πυκνές γκριζόλευκες τρίχες του το βοηθούν να αντέχει στη ξηρασία, ενώ την περίοδο της ανθοφορίας του, από τον Μάρτιο μέχρι τον Απρίλιο, εμφανίζει κίτρινα άνθη σε μικρές ομάδες.

Προτιμά συγκεκριμένες περιοχές

Ο Αστράγαλος των Λευκάρων δεν φυτρώνει οπουδήποτε. Προτιμά ξηρές, πετρώδεις πλαγιές με χαμηλή μεσογειακή βλάστηση, δηλαδή τοπία με διάσπαρτους θάμνους, αγκαθωτά και αρωματικά φυτά. Αυτό το περιβάλλον μπορεί να φαίνεται σκληρό ή φτωχό, όμως φιλοξενεί πολλά σημαντικά είδη της κυπριακής φύσης.

Tο συγκεκριμένο υποείδος συνδέεται με δύο περιοχές του δικτύου Natura 2000: την Περιοχή Ασγάτας (CY5000007) και την Περιοχή Λευκάρων (CY6000005). Ιδιαίτερα σημαντική θεωρείται η Περιοχή Ασγάτας, καθώς φιλοξενεί τον μεγαλύτερο γνωστό πληθυσμό του φυτού. Καθώς ο συνολικός πληθυσμός του υποείδους παραμένει μικρός, η προστασία των περιοχών όπου φυτρώνει είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντική.

Γιατί είναι τόσο σημαντικό ένα μικρό φυτό;

Ίσως κάποιος να αναρωτηθεί, γιατί να μας ενδιαφέρει τόσο ένα φυτό που οι περισσότεροι μπορεί να προσπεράσουμε χωρίς καν να το δούμε; Η απάντηση είναι απλή, επειδή δεν υπάρχει πουθενά αλλού στον κόσμο. Αν χαθεί από την Κύπρο, χάνεται από ολόκληρο τον κόσμο.

Ο Αστράγαλος των Λευκάρων είναι ένα από εκείνα τα είδη που κάνουν τη φύση του νησιού μοναδική. Δεν είναι απλώς “ένα φυτό”. Είναι μέρος της φυσικής ταυτότητας του τόπου. Κουβαλά μέσα του την ιστορία του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος στο οποίο προσαρμόστηκε, δηλαδή του εδάφους, του κλίματος, του νερού, του φωτός από τον ήλιο και των άλλων οργανισμών γύρω του.

Πώς το έργο Πανδώτειρα προστατεύει τον Αστράγαλο των Λευκάρων;

Η προστασία του Αστράγαλου των Λευκάρων συνδέεται άμεσα με τον σκοπό του δικτύου Natura 2000, δηλαδή τη διατήρηση ειδών και οικοτόπων με μεγάλη οικολογική αξία. Το είδος αναφέρεται στη βάση δεδομένων EUNIS ως «είδος προτεραιότητας» της Οδηγίας των Οικοτόπων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, ενώ για αυτό ακριβώς το είδος έχουν χαρακτηριστεί ως Natura οι περιοχές Ασγάτας και Λευκάρων.

Σε αυτή την προσπάθεια εντάσσεται και το έργο Πανδώτειρα, το οποίο στοχεύει στη βελτίωση της κατάστασης διατήρησης σημαντικών ειδών και τύπων οικοτόπων στην Κύπρο, μέσα από δράσεις σε ολόκληρο το δίκτυο Natura 2000.

Στο πλαίσιο του έργου, θα γίνουν δράσεις για ενίσχυση του πληθυσμού στην περιοχή Λευκάρων και για εγκατάσταση νέας αποικίας στο Εθνικό Δασικό Πάρκο Ακάμα. Επίσης θα εφαρμοστεί έλεγχος της ανταγωνιστικής βλάστησης μέσω ήπιου κλαδέματος και απομάκρυνσης νεαρών δενδρυλλίων των κύριων ανταγωνιστικών ειδών στην περιοχή Ασγάτας.

Ίσως το έχουμε ήδη προσπεράσει

Φυτά όπως τον Αστράγαλο των Λευκάρων είναι εύκολο να τα προσπεράσει κανείς, αφού δεν είναι φανταχτερά για να μας ελκύσουν την προσοχή. Και ίσως αυτό είναι το πιο δυνατό σημείο της ιστορίας του είδους, το ότι κάτι τόσο σπάνιο μπορεί να βρίσκεται δίπλα μας, χαμηλά στο έδαφος, και να περνάει απαρατήρητο στο μάτι που δεν είναι εκπαιδευμένο.

Την επόμενη φορά που θα βρεθούμε σε μια πλαγιά, αξίζει να σταματήσουμε για λίγο. Να κοιτάξουμε όχι μόνο το τοπίο γενικά, αλλά και τις μικρές μορφές ζωής που το συνθέτουν. Μπορεί να είμαστε τυχεροί και να δούμε ένα φυτό διακριτικό, τριχωτό, σχεδόν κρυμμένο μέσα στη βλάστηση, που υπάρχει μόνο στην Κύπρο και πουθενά αλλού στον κόσμο!

Μάθετε περισσότερα για το έργο Πανδώτειρα εδώ.

Συγγραφή: Μαρίνα Γρηγορίου (Ομοσπονδία Περιβαλλοντικών Οργανώσεων Κύπρου)

Συμβολή: Δρ. Μάριος Ανδρέου (Πανεπιστήμιο Frederick)

Επιμέλεια: Διαχειριστική ομάδα έργου “Πανδώτειρα”

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On Saturday May 16, our team organised a number of activities for children and adults in Kritou Terra and at the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre, which is located in the village. The activities included:

• Bird ringing and bird release
• Interactive games
• Crafts
• Kremiotis waterfall hike
• Activities with invertebrates
• Workshop with local products and village tour
• Bird feathers’ workshop.

On Sunday, May 17, the celebration moved to the Smigies picnic site in Akamas. The day began with a bird-ringing demonstration and continued with an educational hike along the “Smigies” nature trail. During the hike, participants had the opportunity to learn about the importance of the flora and fauna of the area, which is part of the Natura 2000 network.

The activities were coordinated by Terra Cypria, and were executed with the support of representatives from the: Department of Environment, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Game and Fauna Service, Department of Forests, BirdLife 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. To view more photos from the celebration click here.

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As part of our project’s efforts to raise awareness and inform stakeholders connected to the Natura 2000 network, our participation in the Outdoor Adventure Show aimed to engage and inform people who maintain a close relationship with the natural environment. Individuals who love exercising and exploring in the outdoors and who are among the most direct allies in preserving our natural heritage.

At the Pandoteira project information booth, visitors had the opportunity to take part in an educational quiz and learn about the Mediterranean monk seal through one of our educational games. Our goal was to bridge the experience of recreation with the importance of nature conservation and the significance of the Natura 2000 network.

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Saturday May 16th – Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre (Kritou Terra)

From 9:30 to 13:00, you will be able to participate in a number of activities at the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre, in Kritou Terra.

The day’s activities include:

1.Bird ringing and bird release

Join us for a live bird ringing demonstration, featuring birds that were cared for and rehabilitated at the Game and Fauna Service’s Rehabilitation Centre, as well as birds from the area! Learn about the importance of bird ringing in monitoring bird populations, as well as the efforts made to rehabilitate them. The activity will conclude with the release of the birds.

2.Interactive games

A series of interactive games focusing on the unique species of Cyprus. Participants will learn about the Cypriot flora and fauna, while discovering endemic species and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

3.Crafts

We use materials from nature and recyclable items to create environmentally themed crafts.

4.Kremiotis Waterfall hike (registration required)

Join us on this short (1.5 km) hike to discover the Kremiotis Waterfall, while enjoying the refreshingly green landscape. We will learn about the rich biodiversity of the area, whilst unwinding with the amazing sounds of birdsong by the stream. The hike will lead us to the 25-meter-high waterfall—an ideal spot for relaxation.

The trail is circular and lasts approximately 1 hour.

Departure at 10:30 from the waterfall parking area. The hike will conclude at 11:30 with our return to the starting point.

Difficulty level: 1 (easy). Not recommended for children under 6 years old.

5.Activities with invertebrates (registration required)

Through interactive activities, children get to know freshwater invertebrates, learn how to identify them, and study their ecology. Suitable for children over 6 years old.

The activity will take place at Kremiotis Waterfall.

6.Workshop with local products and village tour (registration required)

Make traditional olive pies with guidance from a village resident in the courtyard of the tavern “To Mylari”, in Kritou Terra.

While the olive pies are baking, you’ll have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the village. Join us to learn about the cultural heritage of Kritou Terra and the life of its residents.

7.Bird feathers’ workshop

In this workshop, children study bird feathers to understand their function. They learn how feathers help with flight, insulation from weather conditions, and communication between species. Suitable for children over the age of 6.

Suggested parking options in Kritou Tera

• Entrance to the village: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NTSnDsK9mqUzYEqh8
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/v8SVdPQy1N9uTxEu9
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/kRnb2BpBsvi9q7ue7

Sunday May 17th – Smigies picnic site (Akamas)

The day will begin at 9:00 with bird ringing and bird release, followed by a hike.

1.Bird ringing and bird release

Bird ringing helps us protect birds by tracking their migration and survival. Want to see how it’s done? Come to this ringing demonstration!

2.Educational hike at Smigies nature trail (registration required)

Follow us along the impressive “Smigies” trail in Akamas, on a route with diverse landscapes and panoramic views across the entire peninsula. During this educational hike, experts will talk to us about the protected area of Akamas, its geology, as well as the region’s flora and fauna. We will also learn about sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals as we take in the view toward Lara – one of the most important habitats for sea turtles in the Mediterranean.

For the hike, you have two options:

1. The longer route (7.5 km, duration 3 hours) also takes us to an abandoned magnesium mine and an old furnace.
2. The shorter route (2.5 km, duration 1.5 hours) is suitable for families with children over 6 years of age. An interactive activity for children will be offered on this route.

Both routes start at 9:45 from the Smigies picnic site.

The hike for both routes will conclude with our return to the picnic site, where you will be able to enjoy some refreshments.

Difficulty level: 2 (medium). Not recommended for children under 6 years old.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL AGENDA.

For questions about the celebration contact info@pandoteira.cy or 22489105.

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The conference provided a collaborative platform for participants to explore environmental and sustainability initiatives, showcase innovative solutions, and share lessons learned from ongoing and completed projects.

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) team had the opportunity to present both an overview of the Pandoteira project, as well as the structure, methodology, and progress of the work related to the Mapping of Ecosystem Services in Natura 2000 areas in Cyprus. The presentation highlighted the importance of ecosystem service assessment as a decision-support tool for sustainable environmental management and policy development. It also served as a valuable platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange, allowing the team to benchmark its approach against other European initiatives and identify opportunities for methodological improvement.

During the meeting, the Pandoteira project representatives engaged in discussions with partners from other LIFE Integrated Projects, exploring common challenges, opportunities, and outcomes related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, stakeholder participation, and the implementation of European environmental policies. Particular emphasis was placed on the practical application of ecosystem service mapping and valuation in protected areas, as well as on approaches for integrating scientific knowledge into policy and management frameworks.

A key benefit of participation was the direct feedback received from leading experts in ecosystem services and environmental assessment. The discussions proved especially valuable in refining the project’s methodological approach, particularly regarding the integration of monetary valuation into ecosystem service assessments. The insights and recommendations provided are expected to further strengthen the scientific robustness, policy relevance, and practical applicability of the ongoing work.

Another important outcome of participation in the conference was the opportunity to strengthen professional networks and foster potential future collaborations in the fields of habitat management, biodiversity monitoring, and wildlife conservation. Discussions with researchers and practitioners from different countries and disciplines opened new perspectives for joint research activities, exchange of expertise, and future participation in European funding and cooperation initiatives. The interaction among participants created a strong foundation for building long-term synergies around shared environmental objectives and innovative conservation practices.

Follow this link to find out more about the Pandoteira project.

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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)

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During the hike, members of the Pandoteira project team, from Terra Cypria, Frederick University and BirdLife Cyprus, took on the educational part of the hike. More specifically, they informed participants about the protected areas of Cyprus, the flora, fauna and avifauna that can be found in the specific protected area, as well as its unique geology.

The route offered stunning views of Akrotiri and the Limassol salt marsh, as well as Pentadaktylos, Kyrenia and Morphou Bay. We walked among junipers and endemic golden oaks, while observing the wildflowers of the season, such as orchids. We also learnt about the different bird species of the area, even though the heavy wind did not allow us to observe them. Lastly, a few short stops gave us the opportunity to observe points of natural and geological interest.

The protected areas “SAC Madari – Papoutsa” and “SPA Vounokorfes Madaris – Papoutsas”, within which the trail is located, are home to 40 of the 131 endemic plant species of Cyprus. In addition, the areas are also home to many migratory and other important bird species that nest there.

The entire route around “Teisia tis Madaris” trail presents igneous rocks and is one of the most impressive appearances of this type of rock. The rock formations, which are almost vertical, emerge like walls on the mountain peaks.

Apart from raising awareness about the flora and fauna of the area, the aim of the hike was also to promote good practices among organized and independent hikers.

Click here to find out more about the Pandoteira project.

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The OUC team had the opportunity to present both the methodological framework and the current progress of its work on mapping ecosystem services in Natura 2000 areas in Cyprus. This presentation served as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange, allowing the team to benchmark its approach against other European initiatives.

A key benefit of participation was the direct feedback received from leading experts in ecosystem services. The discussion was particularly valuable in refining the methodological approach, especially regarding the integration of monetary valuation of ecosystem services. The insights and recommendations provided are expected to enhance the robustness, policy relevance, and scientific credibility of the ongoing work.

Overall, participation in the meeting strengthened collaboration opportunities, improved methodological approaches through expert input, and increased the visibility of OUC’s work within the COST SMILES network. It also reinforced the strategic importance of aligning local research efforts with broader European frameworks on ecosystem services assessment and natural capital accounting.

An additional important outcome of participation in this meeting was the opportunity to strengthen networking and foster potential future collaborations in the field of island ecosystem services. The interaction with experts from different countries and disciplines created a solid foundation for building synergies around shared research interests, particularly in the context of small- and medium-sized island ecosystems, which face common environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Find out more about the Pandoteira project here.

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Are you thinking about starting an environmentally friendly business, or are you considering incorporating sustainability into your existing business? If so, then this free workshop is for you!

Date and Time:
Saturday, 25/04/2026, from 09:30 to 16:00

Location:
61 Foti Pitta street, 5350 Frenaros

The workshop will be offered in all districts of Cyprus.

Aim

This workshop is designed to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to create and grow an environmentally friendly business!

Through this workshop, you will learn how to combine sustainability with your business and set up a successful business model. More specifically, we will cover the following topics:

1. Basic marketing principles, with emphasis on sustainability.
2. Practical tools for designing sustainable marketing strategies.
3. Development of strategic plans for promoting and marketing environmentally friendly products and services.

Click here to view the day’s agenda.

Methods

The workshop will be interactive, combining theory with practice! Alongside the theoretical content, tailored exercises will be provided for all levels, helping you develop your own marketing plan.

You will also have the opportunity to interact with people who face similar challenges. During the workshop, you’ll share your own experiences and learn from the experiences of others. Through constructive dialogue, you’ll exchange ideas and explore potential solutions to common challenges.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of at least six hours of training, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Frederick University.

Trainers

The lead trainer for the workshop will be Dr. Nasia Tziorgi, Lecturer in Marketing at the Department of Business Administration.

Cost

The workshop is organized within the framework of the Pandoteira Project and will be offered completely free of charge. The project is co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme.

Register

To register for this free workshop fill in the application form by 20/04/2026.

For more information contact aaristou@terracypria.org, or call 25320034.

The workshop, which will be in Greek, will be repeated in all districts.

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Sunday, March 29, 2026
Trail “Teisia tis Madaris”
Hike begins at 10:00 am

Click here to see the parking / starting point. Due to limited space, carpooling to the location is recommended.

During the hike, members of the Pandoteira project team will inform us about the protected areas of Cyprus, the flora, fauna and avifauna that can be found in the specific protected area, as well as its unique geology.

The trail is considered easy. It’s a 3 km long, circular trail and it will take us approximately 2 hours to complete the hike, including the information stops.

Points of interest

The route offers stunning views of Akrotiri and the Limassol salt marsh, as well as Pentadaktylos, Kyrenia and Morphou Bay. We will walk among junipers and endemic golden oaks, while observing the wildflowers of the season, such as orchids. We will also learn about the different bird species of the area and we might be lucky enough to observe certain species, such as the Bonelli’s Eagle, the Cyprus Wheatear, the Cyprus Jay, the Cyprus Coal Tit and the Short-toed Treecreeper.

Lastly, a few short stops will allow us to observe points of natural and geological interest. Did you know that…

• The protected areas “SAC Madari – Papoutsa” and “SPA Vounokorfes Madaris – Papoutsas”, within which the trail is located, are home to 40 of the 131 endemic plant species of Cyprus.
• The areas are also home to many migratory and other important bird species that nest there.
• The entire route around “Teisia tis Madaris” trail presents igneous rocks and is one of the most impressive appearances of this type of rock. The rock formations, which are almost vertical, emerge like walls on the mountain peaks.

Refreshments will be offered at the end of the hike.

The educational hike will be offered by members of our team, from Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus.

Click here to register!

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