Paphos hosts global gathering of dragonfly enthusiasts

Around 80 scientists from 23 countries will gather in Paphos, a coastal town, for the World Dragonfly Congress scheduled to take place from June 25 to July 3. The primary objective of this biennial event, as stated in a press release by Terra Cypria, is to facilitate the exchange of research and knowledge pertaining to dragonflies and damselflies worldwide. During the four-day congress, participants will present their work encompassing various areas such as evolution, genetics, conservation, and the impact of climate change.

Dr. David Sparrow, the Congress Organizer, emphasized the noticeable influence of climate change on dragonflies in Cyprus. The island hosts a diverse range of dragonfly species, including heat-loving ones predominantly found in Africa and tropical Asia, which are flourishing in abundance. Conversely, species that prefer cooler conditions and are commonly found in Europe are dwindling in numbers and retreating to higher altitudes, as mentioned in the press release.

The unique geographical location of Cyprus, situated at the crossroads of three continents, adds to the congress's allure. It also serves as a representative case for the environmental challenges faced by many Mediterranean and Levant regions, particularly the decline of freshwater habitats. In addition to the conference proceedings, the scientists will spend four days in the field, exploring various habitats to observe Cyprus' 37 dragonfly species.

The ICO2023 event is jointly organized by the Cyprus Dragonfly Study Group and Terra Cypria (the Cyprus Conservation Foundation) in collaboration with the World Dragonfly Association, with Neapolis University hosting the congress. ICO stands for International Congress of Odonatology, and these global congresses are held every two years in different countries and continents.