BirdLife Cyprus has started a pilot project with funding from the Tasso Leventis Conservation Foundation and in collaboration with SPNI (BirdLife in Israel) to help Swifts in Cyprus. In Israel, a similar project has been active for years now, with great success. The project’s main actions are the creation of nest boxes and their installation in specific areas, ideal for Swifts, as well as raising awareness among the public. Nest boxes have already been placed on the buildings of the Municipality of Aradippou and the Community Council of Voroklini as well as at the elementary schools of these two communities.
As more conservation actions are planned for this species, it’s also important to ensure that the right policies are in place when restoring old buildings in areas where Swifts nest. This way, existing nesting sites can be protected and if this is not feasible, new nesting sites can be established so that when Swifts return, they can nest there again. Moreover, when demolitions of old buildings are in order, it should be ensured that these do not take place during breeding season (February - July).