Three more Cypriot sites included in Natura 2000 network

Three more Cypriot sites, Limni Paralimniou wetland, Limni Oroklini wetland and the Faros seaside area in Pafos, have been included in the EU Natura 2000 network.

A European Commission press release makes a special mention of the Limni Paralimniou wetland, a seasonal lake that disappears entirely during the hot summer months.

Limni Paralimniou is the second biggest site of its kind after the salt lakes of Larnaca and harbours one of the most important populations of the rare Cyprus grass snake Natrix natrix cypriaca on the island.

The latest update of the Natura 2000 lists concerns fifteen member states: Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The number of ''Sites of Community Importance'' has increased to a total of 739, expanding the network by nearly 27 000 km².

Natura 2000 is a vast network of nature conservation areas set up to ensure the survival of Europe's most valuable and endangered species and habitats.