What's happening in Northern Cyprus

The project's primary goal is to raise awareness within local communities concerning the situation around the migrating birds, aiming for an increase in people's interest in nature protection. The supportive measures are, for example, planting trees and plants, organising school field trips, workshops, placing nesting boxes, etc. These activities are lead by ÇADER, a non-profit organisation founded in 2005.

In March 2021, the COVID was still present in everyday life around the world, but while respecting the local regulations, ÇADER could carry out a certain number of activities, such as the Orchid Field Trip or Communal Planting in Arapkoy. In four villages (Catalkoy, Arapkoy, Esentepe and Bahceli), more than 160 bird box kits were distributed to the inhabitants during house-to-house visits while assuring personalised discussions with the people about nature and the importance of birds and the environment. The idea was to motivate primarily families with young children to participate in other activities. The children were asked to create, decorate and hang the bird boxes with their families and to send a picture to the organisation. An overwhelming number of photographs were received, proving that the children had a good time while working on the boxes and learned something important at the same time.

Two more bird boxes were asked for and given to the Scouting Association of Lapta, a village about 30km from Catalkoy. The outreach material for this activity has raised the profile of ÇADER, NABU and the VGP Foundation, generated interest in the work that is being done, and created a demand for bird box kits that surpassed the expectations.

Photos © ÇADER