Conservation of endemic, rare, and threatened plants of Cyprus within the buffer zone

This article describes an effort of scientists and local people from the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities towards the conservation of endemic, rare and threatened plants of Cyprus found within the buffer zone. The project focuses on two of the most impressive, but at the same time endangered endemic species of the island: Tulipa cypria and Ophrys kotschyi. It also promotes the conservation of other endemic, rare and threatened plants occurring in the buffer zone. Conservation activities focus on the establishment, monitoring and management of two Plant Micro-Reserves (PMRs). The PMRs concept, which was successfully adopted in other countries, envisages the monitoring and conservation of small land plots of great value in terms of plant richness, endemism and rarity. The project focuses on the detailed monitoring and effective conservation of the populations of Ophrys kotschyi and Tulipa cypria, which are found in the buffer zone, close to the villages of Mammari and Denia. In addition, a quantitative and qualitative enrichment of natural plant populations will be carried out through (a) the introduction of new individuals propagated ex situ and in situ and (b) the enhancement of the natural regeneration process. The project actively seeks the participation of the local, marginalized communities in the plant conservation effort and promotes awareness among the general public about these unique plants and the biodiversity of Cyprus in general.
The project is funded by the United Nations Development Programme – Action for Cooperation and Trust and coordinated by the Nature Conservation Unit of Frederick University.

Plant Diversity Conservation in the Buffer Zone

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Decker, D.J., T.L. Brown, and W.F. Siemer (eds.) 2001. Human dimensions of wildlife management in North America. The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, MD. 464pp.

• Laguna E., 2001. The micro-reserves as a tool for conservation of threatened plants in Europe. Nature and Environment No 121, Council of Europe Publishing.

• Tσιντίδης T., Xριστοδούλου X. Σ., Δεληπέτρου Π., Γεωργίου K., 2007. Το Κόκκινο Βιβλίο της Χλωρίδας της Κύπρου.Φιλοδασικός Σύνδεσμος Κύπρου. 470 σελ.

• Πιλοτικό Δίκτυο Μικρο-Αποθεμάτων Φυτών στη Δυτική Κρήτη

May 2009 quoting AKTI's newsletter

"...By the completion of this project and the exploration of the area, the scientific team proposed the development of a multi-thematic park where the natural richness and the cultural heritage of the two villages will be maintained, saved and promoted. The development of this park is fairly important for the two communities since it will enhance their economy from the attraction of many Cypriot and foreigner visitors. The proposal will be discussed among the local stakeholders and the decision makers."