|
Cyprus should be targeting Euroland
Sir,
A considerable number of nature lovers, other visitors to your shores, conservationists and birders wrote to your government and the British SBA authorities urging them to take long-awaited action against the large scale, illegal trapping of migrant birds.
You have published a number of articles and letters on the subject in the past two months. It was good to read that the SBAs are stepping up their activity - we hope that this will be thorough and consistent.
They have assured us in recent correspondence that "plans are now under preparation for the spring migration and we will be working with the Game Service on some new ideas. Essentially, however, I would expect to see a continuation of daily patrols and occasional large scale sweeps."
A visiting Swiss birder to Cyprus has had a reply from the Interior Minister, Dr Christodoulos Christodoulou, and passed it to us. We are impressed by Dr Christodoulou's grasp of the complex European Directives for the protection of birds and their habitats and are grateful for the wide-ranging action against the poachers that he promises:
"I would like to assure you that illegal trapping of birds is a major concern for us. I instructed the game wardens to combat this illegal action and to prosecute every person who is involved in the criminal persecution of wild migratory and non-migratory avian species.
The police were also instructed to do the same. In addition, new and stricter legislation is under way, which includes higher penalties, fines on the spot, hunter education and public awareness."
And, very heartening, he wrote: " Finally, I would like to inform you that since part of the illegal trapping is taking place in the British Sovereign Bases, my ministry requested the cooperation of the SBA authorities for joint action for the complete elimination of every illegal bird trapping.
I am glad to note that the BSB authorities responded positively to our request, something which makes me optimistic that we will succeed. Once again, I would like to thank you for your concern and suggestions."
In absence of a direct reply to our two letters to date we would like to use this occasion congratulate the minister on his firm and unambiguous stand. We are sure that publication of these sentiments, or rather clear political aims, will make clear to the citizens of Cyprus and elsewhere where he stands.
It will surely give the Game Fund and other executive authorities the encouragement and backing they deserve. Well said, Mr Christodoulou. We look forward to saying well done to you at the end of the approaching return bird migration season.
David Conlin
Proact International, Marathonallee 16,
14052 Berlin
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002
|
