The damaged caused to Oroklini’s wildlife by the flea-market is being restored thanks to the EU funded LIFE project for the conservation of this important wetland. The Game and Fauna Service which is the leader beneficiary of this ground-breaking project has just started the restoration works.

The flea-market had been operating within the Special Protection Area (SPA) of Oroklini Lake since 2007 resulting in significant loss of habitat. In that area the Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus, a threatened bird species that breeds only in Cyprus and Greece from the countries of the EU.

The operation of the flea market just ended in March 2012 after the district office took the case to court and due also to the indirect pressure generated by the LIFE Oroklini project. The restoration works include the removal of the concrete and premix that was dumped on the site, and ploughing of the soil to help the natural regeneration of vegetation.

The hope is that the area can host the species that nested there before the flea-market. That part of the lake regularly hosted two pairs of Spur-winged Lapwing, while the market’s operation caused disturbance and prevented other bird species from nesting in an otherwise suitable nesting area.

So, if you happen to be at Oroklini Lake during December don’t let bulldozes get you worried as this time they are there to reverse damage and help nature!

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