(30 November 2012) – AEIDL’s LIFE team has just returned from a three-day study visit to Cyprus – a country with a rich biodiversity and a readiness to pioneer environmental innovations. The visit was an opportunity for the whole LIFE communications team to see up close the positive impact that the LIFE programme is having on the island.

Several LIFE Nature projects are helping conserve the wide range of flora – 12 plant species are endemic – and fauna in the 93 km2 national park in the Troodos Mountains, while the University of Cyprus has demonstrated through a LIFE Environment project the feasibility of recycling wastewater produced in wineries.

The study trip included visits to the main project sites, such as a EMAS-certified winery and, in the nature reserve, renovated houses and mines that are now home to a range of bat species. It was a chance for the LIFE team to learn more about the running of the programme first-hand as well as enjoy valuable time away with colleagues.