Υπ. Agriculture: Efforts are being made to protect the Larnaca salt pans

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is making great efforts to preserve and protect the ecosystem of the wetland of the Larnaca salt flats, said to KYPE Dr. Marina Xenofontos, Department of Environment / Nature and Bio Protection.

In her statements, Mrs. Xenophontos stated that "The Larnaca salt flats are under enormous pressure, but great efforts are being made to preserve and protect the wetland ecosystem, so that both the wetlands and the species that live in it are preserved."

The Larnaca salt flats, he said, are also part of the Natura plan and a special report is sent every six years, in accordance with Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, which concerns their condition.

In this way, he continued "We evaluate the data and see what is the condition of the habitats of Cyprus and the species that are in them, so that we can take action and take the appropriate measures to protect them. In recent decades, we maintain the ecosystem in the Larnaca salt flat as it is, so that the wild vegetation that surrounds it remains, we protect the species, fauna and flora ".

At the same time he mentioned "We ensure that there is a balance in the food chain so that the species that exist in the Larnaca salt and especially the flamingo on its way to the northern countries for reproduction, rest and find food."

Regarding the Environmental Information Center that will be built in the Larnaca salt flat, Dr. Xenofontos said that "this will be implemented in the Natura area and the Department of Environment has proceeded with the procedures for renting the land while it has joined the Structural Funds for financing.

"The whole process is expected to start immediately and a study has been implemented regarding the nature trail, in which the infrastructure will be improved so that people can use it comfortably and enjoy this ecosystem that exists in the Larnaca salt pans." he mentioned.

According to Dr. Xenophontos "in Cyprus a large number of species of wild flora and fauna, many of which are endemic or rare and endangered, live and grow in wetlands."

"Apart from the species that live permanently and grow in the wetland area (fish, amphibians, reptiles, non-migratory birds, etc.), wetlands are a factor of great importance for the survival of a significant number of migratory birds as they serve as intermediate stops in of their large annual migrations, but also as places for their wintering ", he added.

To another question he answered how "The protection and rational management of these habitats, as well as the services they provide, is a priority."

That's why, he said. "The Cypriot Government is working methodically to declare the remarkable areas as Ramsar sites."

He noted that Cyprus ratified the Ramsar Convention in 2001 and the Larnaca Salt Lake has been included in the relevant list as the 1081st wetland of international importance.