In April, we held a presentation at the Cyprus University of Technology, two very interesting events in Paphos and a constructive meeting with the Troodos Development Company.
On 8 April, in the framework of Action E2.1 – Activity 3: “Awareness Activities for Public Officials”, we organised a presentation at the CUT, entitled: “The Natura 2000 Network of Protected Areas and the Importance of Agricultural Areas”.
The aim of the presentation was to provide information on the importance of the Natura 2000 network, to inform the participants about the Pandoteira project and its role in the management of the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus and to explain how agriculture plays an important role in the conservation of biodiversity.
The two events that took place in Paphos and are mentioned below, fall under the implementation of Action E2.1 – Activity 1: “Awareness raising and information activities for stakeholders”.
On 9 April and in cooperation with the Pissouri Community Council, we held an event in Pissouri. The event started with a walk along the “Genesis of Aphrodite” path, where we had the honour and pleasure of having with us the guide Mr. Antonis Kazazis, who explained the importance of the area as a cultural and natural heritage site. Afterwards, we headed to the Pissouri Primary School where some presentations were made about the special characteristics of the complex, the “Pandoteira” project and the actions planned to be implemented in the area.
The topics in which the representatives of the Local Authority showed particular interest were the use of private land and the management of the Natura 2000 network. Subsequently, our guide, Mr. Kazazis, shared with all the attendees practical ideas on how they could use hiking, in combination with other local activities, to increase the flow of local and foreign visitors to the area.
On Saturday, 30 April, we organised an event at the Municipality of Paphos entitled: “Natura 2000: raising awareness and informing the public of Paphos”. The event was held under the auspices of the Mayor of Paphos, Mr. Phaidon Faidonos. The event started with a walking tour in the area “Kato Pafos Lighthouse” – an area included in the Natura 2000 Network, and was concluded with a presentation in the “En Plo” hall.
The event aimed in informing the members of the Municipal Council, as well as the residents of the Municipality of Pafos, about the Pandoteira project and the actions that will be carried out in their area, to raise awareness of the importance of the Natura 2000 network and to appreciate the great value of the area “Lighthouse of Kato Pafos” for biodiversity. The specificities of this area were also presented, as well as the importance of the estuaries of the rivers Ezousa, Xeros and Diarizo. This was followed by a discussion on how these areas can be promoted for sustainable tourism purposes, as well as the need for a Natura 2000 Site Manager to assist the Local Authority in implementing sustainable development.
On 20 April, in the framework of Action E2.1, we had a meeting with the Troodos Development Company (ANET) in Galata. During the meeting we presented the Pandoteira Project and discussed ways of cooperation and possible synergies between the Pandotira Actions and ANET.
Find out more about the Pandoteira project.