A new wildlife rehabilitation centre has been inaugurated in Geri, strengthening Cyprus’ capacity to care for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals.
The centre’s construction cost €720,000, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said during Friday’s inauguration ceremony.
The project was implemented under the management of Natura 2000 network sites, through the THALIA 2021–2027 programme.
Replacing ageing facilities in Athalassa
Ioannou said the new wildlife rehabilitation centre will replace the ageing facilities in the Athalassa area, which have been operating since 1995.
The modern installations are designed to improve the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals, with the aim of returning them to their natural habitats whenever possible.
The minister highlighted the centre’s role in protecting rare and endangered wildlife species, including vultures.
Providing appropriate care and enabling animals to return to the wild, where feasible, will support conservation efforts and help protect the country’s biodiversity, he said.
Centre to support public awareness and research
The facility will also serve as a place for public information and awareness-raising, while contributing to scientific knowledge about wildlife species.
Ioannou described the project as a practical example of how European and national funding can be used to strengthen environmental protection.
Changes planned for Game and Fauna Service
The Interior Ministry is also planning a series of measures to strengthen the work and improve the operation of the Game and Fauna Service.
According to Ioannou, the proposed changes include bringing the service’s administrative and operational structure in line with that of the Fire Service.
The plans also provide for all its operating expenses to be covered through a state grant.
In addition, the General Accounting Office of the Republic is expected to take responsibility for calculating and paying the pension benefits of the service’s employees.
Also read: Rare black flamingo returns to Cyprus
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