Environmental Management Plan of “Polis – Yialia” (Natura 2000 Network). Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

Environmental Management Plan of “Akamas Peninsula” (Natura 2000 Network)

The “Polis – Yialia” area is located in the western part of Cyprus in Paphos and has been included in the Natura 2000 Network, designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). The area is an important sea turtle nesting and feeding area, both for the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta-caretta) and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). In addition, the marine part includes important areas of Posidonia oceanica (Neptune Grass or Mediterranean tapeweed) and the inland part is characterised by sand dunes which accommodate a remarkable diversity of flora species. The objective of the project was the formulation of the Environmental Management Plan of “Polis – Yialia”, which aims to the protection, management and enhancement of the natural environment, taking into account the existing socioeconomic conditions.

Client: Environment Department Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Ecology

Duration: 12/2006 – 12/2007

Other Partners: ENVECO S.A. (Greece) – Nikolaides & Associates (Cyprus)

The “Polis – Yialia” area is located in the western part of Cyprus in Paphos District and has been included in the Natura 2000 Network, designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). It covers a total area 1.728 ha, of which 95% are marine area and 5% are inland area and it includes a 10km beach. The area is an important sea turtle nesting and feeding area, both for the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta-caretta) and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). In addition, the marine part includes important areas of Posidonia oceanica (Neptune Grass or Mediterranean tapeweed) and the inland part is characterised by sand dunes which accommodate a remarkable diversity of flora species.

Human activities in the area impose pressure on the protected species and habitats. The main human activities include: coastal touristic developments, artificial clean up of the sand dunes, fishing and leisure boats.

The objective of the project was the formulation of the Environmental Management Plan of “Polis – Yialia”, which aims to the protection, management and enhancement of the natural environment, taking into account the existing socioeconomic conditions.

The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided were:

• Analysis of the current conditions and human driven pressures, based both on available data and references, as well as extensive field work. Emphasis was given to characteristics of major importance such as sea turtles, inland dunes, Posidonia oceanicα and endemic flora species.
• Assessment of evolutionary trends concerning the conservation status of habitats and species and the main pressures and threats due mainly to touristic development and various economic activities
• Public consultation with local communities and stakeholders
• Defining the main Conservation Objectives for achieving the Favourable Conservation Status for species and habitats according to the 92/43/EEC Directive
• Environmental management plan which includes proposals for protection zones and measures that aim to the area’s protection and management
• Cost estimation of planned projects, works and studies
  Preparation of detailed maps, using mainly ArcGIS that present the area’s geology, topography, hydrology, land use, regional boundaries, infrastructures, human activities, vegetation, habitats, coastline visibility and protection zones