A positive shift for Cyprus Nature: A Terra Cypria Report
A timely touch of realism of the broader economic consequences of a comfortable neglect of natural assets
The Terra Cypria report provides an overview of the economic consequences and losses for a evolving society which is coming to terms with valuing its natural assets and it's integration of modern European society. This is published as an advance version of an upcoming report to be presented to media.
Introduction
The geographical position of Cyprus has such an important role during the
annual migration of birds that situates Cyprus on the migration routes from northern and
central Europe, Russia and Asia. Some 300 different bird species use Cyprus as
a station during migration periods. BirdLife Cyprus estimated that in 2010
wiped out illegally 1,700,000 birds, many of which are ambelopoulia and other endangered species requiring protection.
These actions affect global biodiversity. Aside form being Illegal under European and
International Law, the report wishes to only address the
consequences of lawlessness to the economy of Cyprus. The impact on businesses
and workers in tourism, housing industry and similar activities, which almost affect all of
our economy.
The slaughter of birds is impressive and impactful from a communication standpoint and the negativity associated with Cyprus comes with a big cost. The effort of the Terra Cypria Foundation was to make an estimation of what these costs mean
seriously? What is the benefit of the continued illegality?
Year 2010: 1.7 million birds were trapped and killed (BirdLife Cyprus report,
2010). There is no extensive data on the type of birds but assuming that 1 million of ambelopoulia
were sold and knowing that the dish runs € 60 a dozen, so the € 5 per ambelopoulia. This
means for an income of € 5 million for illegal trappers and restaurateurs. The question arises in calculating what were the 'other' loses in the meantime?
Principally, losses of the foreign exchange arise from those visitors who decided not
to book a holiday in Cyprus because of our attitude toward birds. Not only
are teams ptinoparatiriton are many other individuals and couples who refuse to
Cyprus as a personal statement dislikes about our attitude.
A Formula for calculating sectorial losses
There is no sure way to evaluate estimations of unrealized intentions of travel. If we relied on those negative comments sent electronically to the
relevant Cypriot ministers. Until December 2010, 5,200 people from 81 countries
wrote critical messages, 75% (3900 people) were from countries of origin of our
tourism.
> Adding some elements of the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO)
Estimations 5200 people x 75% = 3900 + travel companions about 2000
people (by 3900 2) = 5900 persons x € 70 (average daily consumption) x 10 days
(average stay) = € 4.130.000.
According to the CTO for each person is written complaint are 25 other
people have not done the trouble to write, but took their decisions. We say,
let's say you are not 25 but only 10 are''silent protest. This means:
5.900 people x € 70 (daily consumption) x 10 days (average stay) = € 4.130.000
5.900 x 10 silent protesters x € 70 x 10 days= € 41.300.000!!!
59.00 x 25 silent protesters x € 70 x 10 days= € 1 billion !!!!!!!!
Domestic consumption in the economy offers in Paralimni, and
elsewhere Vrisoula equal to € 5 million, but lost of income can be somewhere between € 40 million and € 1 billion
Conclusions
• While there is demand, the ambelopoulia illegal offer will continue.
• The continued toleration of the authorities to the illegal trapping will generate more
intense protests of activists and the more negative impacts on public image.
• The impact is not only legal and environmental, it directly affects our
economy
• In addition to the amounts of losses due to ''bad treatment''for the birds,
waste and failure to situate Cyprus as a ''center'' for bird-watching
• We must change our mentality!!
Proposal
The Foundation Terra Cypria proposes a new course of action:
- Change attitudes of Cypriots in the forefront of high-ranking place and
the media
- Improving the image of tourism and development of bird migration
- Strengthening of institutional measures
The CTO should be aware of and better define its strategy. It can be
stated that Cyprus will become a destination for environmentalists, while
holding back on anti-environmental behavior.
Action points:
The Foundation Terra Cypria proposes a series of actions that lead to an
alternative path, as
(A) Public statements by the
President of the Republic, Ministers and the Federation of Hunters to condemn
the capture and eating of ambelopoulia.
(B) Consultation with the CTO's tourism partners in order not to remain
passive spectators when the culling of birds.
(C) Consultation with government agencies and local organizations with
environmental and cultural NGOs, to create body for formulating and
implementing sustainable measures that will lead to awareness of the media,
citizens and businesses for migratory birds through education , social pressure
and profitable operations.
(D) Organization of the body of the first island-wide festival host of
migratory birds in the autumn of 2012.
This is an option which deals with development of migrating birds in a fair
manner. It should be noted that birdwatching is referred to as the second most
rapidly growing interest in Europe and the first in America, where citizens are
aware and are turning to alternative forms of tourism. In the U.S., 61 million
people, or 21% of people involved in birdwatching and in Europe famous as a destination is the island of Lesbos. Most bird-watching trips take
place mainly during the migratory bird seasons, i.e spring and autumn, which in
Cyprus today is a period of low-average tourists, thus stimulating the
birdwatchers would be welcome. The theoretical annual income
from visits to national park as Kuşcenneti (site Ramsar) in
Turkey, is estimated at € 76,770.000. Cyprus with its privileged situation to the arrival of
birds has three attractions: Akrotiri, Larnaca Salt Lake, Cape Greco could already anticipate the welcoming of organized festivals in Europe for bird watchers.
In times of economic downturn, prolonging a situation that builds up negative image is not wise option and consequently understandable to everyone. Everyone needs to put the financial interests of the country over
the enjoyment of our stomach. A positive image will not only attract
birdwatchers, but also many who now do not come because they avoid the
situation. Apart from the financial gain, there's another reason why our
country needs to cultivate a positive image. Cyprus has a political problem, and needs as many friends from Europe. Let not prevent them in advance with our
behavior. Let me that fosters respect and demand our rights from the
international community, we are fulfilling our obligations selectively.
For reasons that are not limited to ornithology or romantic view of nature, but
have broader economic consequences in our country, attitudes of Cypriots should be
changing. To express their abhorrence, for trapping to be
isolated and to ostracized those who prioritize their stomach instead of welfare of our compatriots. According to the principle of supply and demand, if eliminated or limited, the
pressing demand will disappear and with it the reason for trapping.
Note:
We would like to thank Terra Cypria for sharing in advance this preliminary notification, so as to enable more people to understand the dynamics and future proposals for positive action. For more information do contact: Terra Cypria
