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- Ελληνικά
Every year on 21 May we celebrate the European Natura 2000 Day. The Natura 2000 network was created 32 years ago today, with a pioneering legislative move by the European Commission. It is the largest network of protected areas in the world, ensuring the protection of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
Cyprus, although small in size compared to other countries, displays a huge wealth of biodiversity. Unique species of habitats, plants and animals, many of which are endemic, constitute the great natural heritage of our island.
To date, a total of 63 Natura 2000 sites have been designated in Cyprus, covering an area of 10,145 km², including marine and terrestrial areas.
It is worth noting that Cyprus is among the countries of the European Union with the highest percentage of Natura 2000 sites. 75% of the State Forest Land is included in the network, which includes 26 sites of particular importance.
The promotion of the importance of Natura 2000 sites should be a prerequisite for all of us as it is a unique tool for the conservation of the ecological elements that constitute them, always bearing in mind the balance required between the protection of nature and the well-being of the people living in these areas.
The proper management of Natura 2000 sites ensures multiple benefits for man and nature itself. Experts from Greece will take part in the whole process. The system, which has been set up, allocates the work to teams of experts, who will also be supported by experienced academics, knowledgeable about the species and habitats of Cyprus and who have experience in the formulation of the decrees. This will ensure the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data necessary for the development of the Orders.
(EFYs/AF/NZ)
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