Members of the Pandoteira project team from the Department of Environment, the Game and Fauna Service and Terra Cypria – The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, together with the Spilia Local Authority, organized a presentation titled: “Natura 2000: Generating awareness amongst stakeholders”.
The presentation took place on Tuesday March 22nd, 2022, at the Spilia Cultural Centre. This event was specifically designed for members of the Local Authorities of the neighbouring communities of Solea and Marathasa Valleys.
Purpose of this presentation
The purpose of this presentation was to:
- Inform the members of Local Authorities about the “Pandoteira” project and what actions are scheduled to take place within their area. More specifically the valley of Solia and Marathasa.
- Generate awareness concerning the importance of the Natura 2000 network.
- Introduce participants to the concept of Protected Area Managers and Private Land Management and the relevant actions that will take place through the Pandoteira project.
- Touch upon the importance of Birds of Prey in the areas of Madari and Papoutsa, as well as the necessity to protect them.
Community participation
We were excited to have with us members of 8 different Local Authorities from Spilia and neighbouring communities.
During this gathering, the participants, amongst other topics, expressed their concerns over the issue of private land management. They also showed an interest in increasing the number of barn owl nests in their communities, as they have seen the benefits in the control of rodents. They also expressed their willingness to receive education for alternatives to the use of chemicals in agriculture.
Future steps
We intent to maintain a close relationship with these communities and we will proceed with organising a meeting with the Troodos Development Agency in order to discuss ways of assisting the communities with embracing the aims of the Pandoteira project.
Moreover, we will organize an additional meeting with the Local Authorities at a different location to further discuss the issue of private land management especially for the Atsas Agios Theodoros Natura 2000 area.
And last, but not least, the Padoteira project will actively participate in future festivals organized in these communities. This will be done in an effort to positively influence landowners and the local population in understanding the importance of the Natura 2000 network and embracing it.
