CESF: Turning the Green Line into a peace park – A bicommunal priority
26/11/2012 14:42
The Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum (CESF) wishes to mark Wildlife Conservation Day with a call for the Cyprus demilitarised buffer zone to be transformed into a Peace Park. Years of research by academics associated with the CESF have revealed that the buffer zone is a de facto wildlife haven, harbouring emblematic mammals such as the Cyprus mouflon, as well as countless species of flora and fauna.
If you want to know more about the biodiversity of the island and the buffer zone, please join us for a Photo Exhibition on the biodiversity of Cyprus, at Home for Cooperation (opposite Ledra Palace), all day on 6th December from 09:00 to 17:00.
Nature has established a hold over the buffer zone, which is also known as the “Green Line”, providing a safe haven from habitat loss and other threats to Cyprus’ unique wildlife. However, the Buffer Zone, which covers 3% of the island’s surface, faces a multitude of threats, from uncontrolled wildfires, to illegal hunting and poaching activities. Therefore, the CESF calls for resources to be provided by both communities to enforce the existing ban on hunting and trapping in the buffer zone, and encourages senior negotiators in the peace talks to consider transforming the area into a Peace Park, where in the event of a solution, human developments can take place in harmony with the natural environment, a space which can be devoted to joint Eco-tourism and environmentally friendly activities across the divide. Thus established, the Green Line would become known as such for the right reasons, providing a unique wildlife corridor stretching almost the entire length of the island.
Wildlife Conservation Day aims to promote the conservation and protection of endangered species, raise awareness about the
harmful security, economic, and environmental effects of wildlife poaching and trafficking; discourage consumer demand; and demonstrate efforts by citizens, activists, private corporations, and governments to bring an end to the illicit wildlife trade.
Launched in January 2007, the Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum (CESF) is a bi-communal, multidisciplinary coalition of environmental stakeholders advocating common solutions to island-wide environmental problems. In Cyprus, environmental civil society organisations can acquire a stronger voice through participation in this common, island-wide forum. For more information, please visit the website: www.cyef.net
If you want to know more about the biodiversity of the island and the buffer zone, please join us for a Photo Exhibition on the biodiversity of Cyprus, at Home for Cooperation (opposite Ledra Palace), all day on 6th December from 09:00 to 17:00.
Nature has established a hold over the buffer zone, which is also known as the “Green Line”, providing a safe haven from habitat loss and other threats to Cyprus’ unique wildlife. However, the Buffer Zone, which covers 3% of the island’s surface, faces a multitude of threats, from uncontrolled wildfires, to illegal hunting and poaching activities. Therefore, the CESF calls for resources to be provided by both communities to enforce the existing ban on hunting and trapping in the buffer zone, and encourages senior negotiators in the peace talks to consider transforming the area into a Peace Park, where in the event of a solution, human developments can take place in harmony with the natural environment, a space which can be devoted to joint Eco-tourism and environmentally friendly activities across the divide. Thus established, the Green Line would become known as such for the right reasons, providing a unique wildlife corridor stretching almost the entire length of the island.
Wildlife Conservation Day aims to promote the conservation and protection of endangered species, raise awareness about the
harmful security, economic, and environmental effects of wildlife poaching and trafficking; discourage consumer demand; and demonstrate efforts by citizens, activists, private corporations, and governments to bring an end to the illicit wildlife trade.
Launched in January 2007, the Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum (CESF) is a bi-communal, multidisciplinary coalition of environmental stakeholders advocating common solutions to island-wide environmental problems. In Cyprus, environmental civil society organisations can acquire a stronger voice through participation in this common, island-wide forum. For more information, please visit the website: www.cyef.net
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