Newsroom
Cyprus has formally adopted a National Action Plan aimed at tackling the use of poisoned bait in rural areas and improving safeguards for wildlife.
The plan was approved by the Cabinet during its meeting on April 21, according to an announcement from the Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday. Authorities described the measure as an important development in efforts to protect the griffon vulture, a strictly protected species considered particularly vulnerable to poisoning, along with other animals affected by the practice.
The strategy includes actions in four main areas. These involve gathering better data on poisoning incidents, introducing measures to discourage the use of toxic bait, improving investigations and enforcement procedures and increasing public information campaigns.
The framework was created through the European “LIFE with Vultures” programme with the participation of several government departments and organisations. Contributors included the Game and Fauna Service, the Department of Environment, the Department of Forests, the Department of Agriculture, Cyprus Police, the State General Laboratory, Veterinary Services, the Environment Department of the British Bases, Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus.
Officials said the adoption of the plan will allow anti-poisoning measures to continue after the completion of the LIFE programme and will keep Cyprus in line with European Union biodiversity obligations.
The government said the initiative is intended to support environmental protection efforts and reinforce a zero-tolerance policy against the use of poison in the countryside.
