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- Ελληνικά
In the framework of the "National Action Plan (NAP) for the management of rodents using man-birds", a programme of targeted placement of artificial man-bird nests is being implemented in all provinces, with emphasis on areas with crops affected by rodents.
The programme provides for the free allocation of a man-bird nest with an annual budget of €65,000. The programme also seeks to raise awareness among farmers of the importance of biological control and the need to reduce the use of chemical products, which are often used uncontrolled in the countryside.
The Department of Forests, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterinary Services, the Game Service and the Cyprus Poultry Association, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (MARD), are involved in the formulation and monitoring of the implementation of the NAP.
The results of the implementation of the programme are already very encouraging. From 2020, when the Project was gradually implemented until today, the production of rodenticide by the Department of Agriculture, and consequently its use by the beneficiaries, has been reduced by 55%. This reduction brings the State savings of around €130,000 compared to previous years with the environmental benefit being immeasurable. It is indicative of the fact that communities, which in the past used very large quantities of rodenticide, are now controlling rodents solely by using manure.
In this context, building on the experience and positive results of the ESD in the areas where it has been implemented, the YMCA is expanding this effort to other professional groups in the farming community. Therefore, in addition to farmers, local authorities and hunting associations, livestock farmers are also beneficiaries of the programme.
Consequently, the Ministry may provide one human bird nest per livestock unit free of charge. The following information is provided for the allocation of the nest. [*]The nest will be allocated on written application to the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Rural Development with details of the farmer and his livestock unit. [*]A condition for the granting and installation of the nest is the non-use of rodenticidal baits in or around the livestock unit. [*]The nest shall be installed by the ESD working group on biological management of rodents using the Anthropologie. The nest will then be mapped and added to the national database and its success will be checked by the working group in collaboration with the farmer. [*]The farmer will be responsible for guarding the nest against theft or vandalism.
The aim of the project is to reduce the use of rodenticidal baits within livestock holdings, which are long-standing rodent hotspots. The human bird is a key ally of farmers and nature, as it feeds almost exclusively on a huge number of rodents each year.
The programme also looks forward to more cost-effective rodent control but also safe for both productive animals and the environment.
For more information, the public can call 22408354 or email hnicolaou@fd.moa.gov.cy.
(Ephys/Eath/NYAN)
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