About the project

Salt lakes in arid and semi-arid regions of the world have significant socio-economic, ecological and cultural value, characterised by successive alternations of flooding and dry periods, which creates a unique and highly dynamic environment supporting remarkably distinguishable organisms. 

Akrotiri Salt Lake (ASL) is recognized as the most important coastal wetland in Cyprus as it provides critical habitat for endemic plants, breeding, and migratory birds as well as ecosystem services, some of which are exclusive to the ASL ecosystem, owing to its unique functions and biodiversity. ASL is part of the Akrotiri Important Bird Area and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area under SBA ordinances and as a Ramsar Site.

Despite its ecological importance, urbanisation, ongoing land use changes, and increased economic activities in the area have resulted in an unknown degree of impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. 

These pressures have seen an unprecedented increase in the last four years with large-scale developments (Casino, luxury residences, golf courses under development), planned reformation of Lady's Mile beach, as well as uncontrolled access and illegal activities. 

The combination of land use changes from ongoing developments, and the adverse impacts of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and reduced precipitation, is currently contributing to the degradation of ASL while mechanisms and measures to shield this fragile wetland are currently insufficient. 

Given the scale and intensity of the pressures and threats in the area, there is an urgency to intervene and protect this fragile ecosystem. The aim of this project is to enhance the resilience of the ASL ecosystem by addressing the above threats and enabling long-term conservation. 

Through this project, the degree of natural and anthropogenic threats in the surrounding ASL “pressure zone” will be quantified, while concrete actions to increase ecological functioning resilience such as soil crust protection and plant microreserves will be applied.

 Generated knowledge will increase awareness of ASL value, leaving a legacy to the SBAA for the protection, restoration and monitoring of this ecosystem, whilst providing support for better environmental governance through stakeholders’ engagement.