Over 100 Stakeholders Unite to Safeguard Cyprus’ Marine Areas

Over 100 Stakeholders Unite to Safeguard Cyprus’ Marine Areas

NICOSIA – The future of our seas was discussed at the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Management Workshop. This landmark event, held in Nicosia, Lapta, and Alagadi, brought together over 100 key figures – including small-scale fishermen, diving school operators, tourism leaders, and officials – to establish a common roadmap for coastal protection.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Seas

The opening speeches of the workshop were given by the Rector of Girne University and Oceanographer Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu and the Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Gönen Vurana. International experts also participated in the event, with Margaux Janin (BlueSeeds) and Ayşe Oruç (WWF-Turkey) sharing global success stories and key challenges in marine management.

One of the most striking moments of the event was the speech by Ramazan Özkaya, President of the Central Union of Fisheries Cooperatives of the Republic of Turkey (SÜR-KOOP). Özkaya emphasized that Marine Protected Areas are not only an environmental tool but also a fundamental protection mechanism that secures the long-term livelihoods of local fishermen.

Proof of Success: The Transformation in Alagadi

Dr. Damla Beton, Director of SPOT Marine Life, showcased the tangible effects of effective management processes. Presenting the habitat conservation efforts in Alagadi, which have been ongoing for 15 years, with striking satellite images of the ‘before and after’ changes, Beton listed the achievements as follows:

• Habitat Improvement: Hectares of priority habitats are being revitalized.
• Species Return: With the restriction of vehicle and pedestrian access, sensitive vegetation is being revitalized.
• The Power of Collaboration: Success achieved through a unique alliance between NGOs, the private sector, the police, the coast guard, and the central government.

From Strategy to Port

Following panel discussions moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek from Eastern Mediterranean University conducted field work on the second day of the event. Experts met with fishermen at the Lapta Fishing Harbor to listen to their thoughts on the Alsancak Fishing Protected Area.

The workshop concluded with local perspectives in Alagadi. Local restaurant owner Gökmen Güneş highlighted the vital role of businesses in conservation efforts, while local fisherman Ömer Kasap expressed his satisfaction with the conservation efforts in the region.

Down at the harbour

Mending the nets

Looking to the Future

This workshop, along with a comprehensive situation analysis conducted by independent consultants, represents a significant step for Marine Protected Areas in Cyprus. Management systems are continuously being developed where different stakeholders work together to protect Cyprus’s marine treasures for future generations.

Project Funding and Support:

This event was carried out under the ‘Be a Light to the Fisherman’ project, funded by the European Union’s Assistance Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by SPOT and Enalia Physis. The event was also supported by the ‘Give Life to the Sea’ project under the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme. The content is entirely the responsibility of the Northern Cyprus Turtle Protection Society and Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

About SPOT Marine Life

The Northern Cyprus Turtle Protection Society (SPOT) is a non-governmental organization that aims to protect our seas hand in hand with all stakeholders, thanks to its strong academic work and community-oriented structure.

Source: Northern Cyprus Turtle Protection Society (SPOT)

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