- Projects
LIFE IP PHYSIS
BirdLife Cyprus, together with 14 other partners, is participating in LIFE IP Physis, an EU funded LIFE Integrated Project dedicated to the protection and the proper management of all of our Natura 2000 sites. The LIFE IP Physis project consists of a group of actions all interlinked in a framework with the purpose of making the Natura 2000 network more effective and functional as well as sustainable with the overarching goal of achieving favourable conservation status for habitats and species, particularly of those included in the Habitats and Birds directives.
BirdLife Cyprus involvement in the project will focus on:
- Targeted field research to inform conservation actions for key bird species at SPAs (Natura 2000 sites for birds), including the Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Lapwing, Kentish Plover, Flamingo, Mediterranean Shag and Roller.
- Water management studies for the Larnaca Salt Lake and Paralimni Lake.
- Practical conservation actions for key species at Larnaca Salt Lake, Paralimni Lake, Oroklini Lake, coastal sites (for the Shag), farmland sites (for the Roller, mainly) and more.
- Preparation of agri-environment and similar measures for Rollers and other key species within farmland in Natura 2000 sites.
- Studies and actions to reduce the impact of secondary poisoning on raptors.
- Preparation of the first ever Red List for the Birds of Cyprus, to fully assess and report the conservation status of our birds, in cooperation with BirdLife International.
The Game and Fauna Service will be our key partner in the above actions, while we will also work with the whole LIFE IP Physis team on aspects such as communicating the importance of good management of Natura 2000 sites and the setting up effective management bodies for the Natura 2000 network.
The Natura 2000 network is the largest network of protected areas in the world, created to protect our most beloved wildlife and unique landscapes. Our hope is that with this ambitious new project, our Natura 2000 areas will get the attention and care that they need and deserve.
The LIFE IP Physis project is funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. For more information about the project, please visit: http://physis.cy