In the framework of the Darwin Plus project "Habitat restoration and sustainable use for Akrotiri and Cape Pyla", a workshop on "Monitoring biotic and abiotic parameters in Akrotiri Peninsula" was organized on 8 and 9 December 2022, at the Environmental Education Centre of Akrotiri.
The three-year Darwin Plus project (2021-2024) relates to environmental restoration, protection and management actions in the areas of Akrotiri and Cape Pyla. The project is funded by the UK Darwin Initiative and the collaborating parties are BirdLife Cyprus (coordinator), the Terra Cypria Foundation, the Department of Environment of the British Bases and the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). More information about the project can be found here.
The Akrotiri Peninsula hosts the largest natural wetland complex in Cyprus, and has been institutionally recognised as a protected area for its significant biodiversity. Several activities in the area threaten its protection and management and may lead to changes in its ecosystem.
The aim of the workshop was to exchange knowledge and experience between the various experts (institutions, departments, scientists) involved in the monitoring of biotic and abiotic parameters in the Akrotiri area, in order to:
a) to obtain a common knowledge base on what data have been collected and/or are being collected for the area and
b) to discuss any observed trends based on the monitoring results in terms of population, distribution, observations and abiotic measurements.
The Limassol - Amathus Sewerage Board (SLA), as a body that actively supports any environmental action aimed at protecting the natural environment, participated in the Workshop with its own presentation. On behalf of SAALA, the presentation was made by the Council's executives Georgia Priari and Angelos Christoforou, who spoke about the management of the rainwater that flows into the Zacaki Aquifer from the surrounding area, as well as about the quality controls in relation to these waters. Further presented were SALA's ongoing efforts to clean and enhance the Zacaki Aquifer, also known as Lake Long, in the Lady's Mile area.
A very productive exchange of views followed at the end of the two-day conference and the need for additional monitoring and data sharing, as well as management and conservation actions for the area was emphasized.
(NΓ/ΣΧ)
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