From Karpaz to Alagadi: Tracing Biodiversity
As part of the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nihal Bayır from the Faculty of Engineering at Cyprus International University (CIU) shared insights on the importance of biodiversity and the unique position of Cyprus in this regard.
Bayır stated that biodiversity includes species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity, and emphasized that this diversity is indispensable for maintaining natural balance, health, agriculture, tourism, and climate resilience. She pointed out that Cyprus, due to its location in the Mediterranean Basin, is considered a “hotspot” for biological diversity, and that endemic species such as the Cyprus tulip (Tulipa cypria) and the Cyprus whip snake (Coluber cypriensis) further enhance this importance.
She highlighted the threats to biodiversity including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and illegal hunting, and noted that these losses can be prevented through conservation of natural areas, promotion of sustainable practices, environmental education, and legal regulations.
Bayır drew attention to the significance of monitoring and conservation activities in areas like the Karpaz Special Environmental Protection Area, the Alagadi Turtle Conservation Area, and Alevkayası in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). She mentioned that species such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) are protected and supported through monitoring and breeding programs.
She also emphasized the crucial role that local communities and NGOs play in conservation efforts and called on individuals to use natural resources responsibly, contribute to recycling, and adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles.
Bayır stressed that sustainable development is only possible through biodiversity conservation, warning that development based on environmental destruction would result in long-term economic and ecological losses.
She concluded by saying that gene banks, seed storage systems, satellite and AI technologies, soil microbiology research, and citizen science initiatives offer hope for biodiversity conservation. Bayır called on young researchers to engage in interdisciplinary work, gain field experience, and join global networks.