Biodiversity is the variety of ecosystems, species and genes in the world or within a specific habitat. It is a factor of vital importance for the prosperity of humanity due to the ecosystemic services it provides, such as pollination, climate regulation, flood prevention protection, soil fertility and the production of food, fuel, fibers and medicines.
A Strategic Partner of the Cyprus Forest Association for the upgrade and protection of biodiversity in Cyprus, Cyta has adopted and endorses the following actions:
Actions to Protect Bats by installing an on-line camera system, restoring an abandonned mine tunnel in Troodos, and building and placing 35 Bat Boxes in parks, forests and residential areas.
Beekeeping Park
As part of supporting various actions for the protection and preservation of Cyprus' biodiversity, a thematic Bee Park was created in the area of Athalassa Park. The initiative was undertaken by the Office of the Environment Commissioner, with the support of Cyta and the Forestry Department. The protection of bees is of utmost and strategic importance for the survival of the human species.
The park spans approximately two decares (2,000 square meters) and is located on state forest land. Beekeeping plant species (trees, shrubs, flowers) have been planted to create vegetation that provides food for pollinators throughout the year. An automated irrigation system has been installed for the plantation, and a small pond connected to the irrigation system has already been constructed. The pond offers water to various animals and birds in the area. Additionally, bee shelters (insect hotels) have been placed within the plantation area, and traditional hives (tzivertia) have been built and installed to preserve local traditions and make the park a point of interest.
Together with BirdLife Cyprus, we Embrace Cyprus’s Swifts
Looking to secure safe nesting sites, BirdLife Cyprus has installed 30 artificial nests for swifts in five different CYTA buildings in Nicosia, Larnaka and Limassol. The nests are specially designed to attract swifts arriving in Cyprus.
Denigration and loss of biodiversity have become a global phenomenon; swifts are not left unscathed. The greatest adversities facing swifts are the intensification of agriculture, which reduces food availability (insects), as well as the loss of nesting sites. Unlike barn swallows, swifts do not build nests but instead perch in small holes under roofs, tiles or eaves, usually on old buildings. Given that these places have become scarce, the installation of artificial nests is intended to offset this loss amid the significantly declining number of swifts in Cyprus and other parts of the world.
Swifts arrive in Cyprus in early February to nest. By the end of July they start flying back to Africa to hibernate.
Sending out a message to “Give life to your old mobile phone. Recycle it!” Cyta has launched a Programme to re-use and recycle mobile phones and other terminal equipment in special recycling bins installed at every CYTA shop and in our manned buildings. The re-using and recycling programme includes mobile phones along with their equipment and accessories (e.g. chargers, handsfree, car kits) and other terminal equipment (e.g. land-line and wireless phones, answering machines). The aim of the programme is, on the one hand, to raise awareness and encourage public participation in phone recycling and, on the other hand, to contribute to the protection of the environment but also of public health, endangered by uncontrolled waste disposal. www.cyta.com.cy/recycling.
In 2016 we created a model Environmental Corner at our Nicosia headquarters, equipped with all kinds of recycling bins available to the organisation’s personnel. The corner can accommodate recyclable waste such as glass, paper, PMD, cooking oil, clothing, electrical & electronic appliances, plastic bottle caps, batteries, light bulbs and pharmaceuticals.
Capitalizing on the warm reception of the Environmental Corner at our Nicosia headquarters, in 2021 we created an additional five Environmental Corners in the Organisation’s regional buildings in every province of the island, so that more members of our personnel can drop off their recyclables.
