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By Alexia Saoulli
The Council of Europe has warned the government it will open a file on Cyprus if it does not make considerable improvements in protecting migratory birds from slaughter within the year, the Cyprus Conservation Foundation said yesterday.
The Standing Committee of the Berne Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats, held in Strasburg last month, upheld other European nations' concern over Cyprus' mass slaughter of migratory birds, which are all strictly protected under the provisions of the Convention.
The birds are served up as _ambellopoulia_ - a high-priced delicacy on the island and sold in tavernas for about 1.50 each - with most aficionados eating through a dozen or more.
Although the serving of these birds is illegal, the law is not observed, the Cyprus Conservation Foundation said yesterday.
Last month, Cyprus was twice called by the Bern Convention committee to answer the allegations, facing a barrage of criticism.
The government was accused of failing to protect the Akamas peninsula, and tolerating the slaughter of millions of migratory birds that either spend the winter or stop over on the island.
Birdlife International lodged the complaint about the birds, following an international outcry against the brutal and illegal methods used to capture migratory birds.
All committee members were given a detailed and graphic report on the extermination of the birds, and the destruction of flora on the island.
Convention members called for steps to be taken to protect these birds, some of which are on the verge of extinction. A number of European countries claim these birds as part of their natural heritage, saying they are listed on endangered species lists.
The convention heard that these birds migrate to milder climates, where they end up being exterminated for profit. As a result, they do not return home to breed and their numbers dwindle.
Cyprus has repeatedly flouted a 1986 Berne Convention recommendation to protect these migratory birds, and instead continues to wipe them out year after year, the Council of Europe says.
In light of this, the Council of Europe strictly recommended that Cyprus and the British Bases promptly take the necessary measures to ensure the special protection of wild fauna species - particularly "prohibiting all forms of deliberate capture and keeping, deliberate killing, as well as the possession and internal trade in these animals, alive or dead".
It strongly suggested that those found to breaking this law should be held accountable and prosecuted, so as to dissuade others from doing the same.
Penalties for these offences should also be increased, and more wardens should patrol popular bird trapping areas, making the activity harder.
The recommendation added that officials should regularly frequent restaurants known to specialise in _ambellopoulia_, and to bring charges against those found guilty of the crime.
If the Cyprus Government does not take steps to improve the situation within the year, a file will be opened against the Republic, the standing committee of the convention warned.
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002
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