Wetlands paradise is being destroyed
A WETLANDS paradise for one in three species of avian visitors to North Cyprus and Natura 2000-protected site near Gazimağusa is being littered with rubbish including used condoms and discarded underwear.
The wetlands are a favourite spot for birdwatchers and are regularly visited by members of the North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature (Kuşkor), including birding guide Robin Snape.
However they encounter debris left behind by previous occupants.
Mr Snape said: “Vehicle access should be restricted immediately by installing barriers to stop lorries tipping and stop quad bikes.
“Despite the fact that Ayluga and other wetlands are designated areas of Natura 2000 protection, there are no signs to inform the public.
“We always see rubbish, sometimes there is a lot, other times not so much. The roadside area from the Çanakkale and university roundabouts is particularly bad.”
Gazimağusa Mayor İsmail Arter joined forces with the Mağusa Cultural and Green Mağusa associations two years ago in an EUfunded Residents of Mağusa Struggle for Clean Wetlands Project which combined nature and art to raise environmental awareness and ended in November.
The project saw school and civil society events from birdwatching and outings to art events for species recognition; ecology and recycling education; the installation of recycling bins at wetlands; film screenings and community events to raise awareness. Gazimağusa Kuşkor activist and teacher Asuman Körükoğlu, who worked on the scheme, said: “We have struggled to raise awareness in schools and the community to protect our nature and wetlands and will continue to do so.
“The municipality supported our drive and collect rubbish regularly in the area but unfortunately fly-tippers are active. There is also a very real threat from attempts to build on the edges of the area and the rampant dumping of construction rubbish. It is very sad after all our hard work.”
The Ayluga Lake near Eastern Mediterranean University was also taken under protection in December by the university and the Mağusa Women’s Centre Association in a joint volunteer project to prevent pollution and protect the ecology of the university area.
EMU Rector Dr Necdet Osam stressed the need to protect over 135 species of birds and wildlife.
Gazimağusa Municipality project manager Abide Başman Eryaşar said: “Local people, especially women’s organisations, have worked hard to protect this area and want it to become a nature park open to the public.
“We will liaise with the Environmental Protection Department, who are responsible for imposing fines, but it is the local effort which will defeat this problem. Unfortunately due to the elections no decisions will be taken until everything settles down.”