The Pandoteira project, together with the Ayia Napa Municipality, organised a birdwatching experience on Sunday September 24th, at Cape Greco – a key migration site for migratory birds and part of the Natura 2000 network.
Participants gathered at the Cape Greco Environmental Information Centre, where members of the Pandoteira project – from Terra Cypria, the Game and Fauna Service and BirdLife Cyprus – guided them through a stroll combined with birdwatching. The public was able to see a number of birds, like the Cyprus wheatear and the Cyprus warbler, which are both endemic, as well as a number of migratory bird species, including birds of prey.
During autumn, Cape Greco becomes a stopover for migratory birds to rest and refuel, as they come to Cyprus from the north. At the same time, the area is used by many species as an orientation stop, before they continue their journey towards their wintering destination. It is worth noting that rare bird species, which are recorded in very small numbers in Cyprus, are often seen only at the Cape Greco area. This is mainly due to the area’s proximity to the Middle East and due to the location of Cape Greco.
After the completion of the birdwatching activity, participants returned to the Cape Greco Environmental Information Centre, where they were informed about the importance of the Natura 2000 network and the opportunities it offers, as well as about the ornithological importance of the area. To view the presentations, follow the links below:
- Pandoteira project and the importance of the Natura 2000 network.
- The ornithological importance of the Cape Greco area.
Following this, all participants were able to benefit from free entrance to the aquarium and exhibition rooms, as well as enjoy a free guided tour at the Environmental Information Centre.
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.
