in-cyprus 30 July 2023 - by gavriella
The final chapters introduce us to the wondrous world of turtles on the world-famous beaches of Lara, as it is the home of two Mediterranean types of the seven species of sea turtle, the Caretta and the Green Turtle.
Although they also breed on some other coasts of northern and southern Cyprus, their main protected nesting areas are the Lara-Toxeftra and the beaches of Polis Chrysochous-Gialia, which are part of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000.
In order to ensure the long-term protection of endangered species and habitats of nature, the Akamas Peninsula was declared a Special Protection Area in 2009-2010.
However, these coastal sites have been considered protected areas of nature since 1989. It is no coincidence that these vulnerable and endangered graceful amphibians choose these coastal habitats for nesting and egg hatching, as they are a combination of many favorable factors.
Therefore, the Turtle Exhibition and Education Center created by the Community Council of Inia was an imperative objective for the promotion and international promotion of the beaches of Lara, the habitat of choice for the two species of sea turtle.
The Center, which started operating this year, is the first specialized site in Cyprus with scientific research standards and museum equipment of the highest standard for the species.
The first room welcomes visitors with a three-dimensional map of the Akamas Peninsula, guiding them from the beaches to its virgin forest and suggesting excursions to nearby sites.
In addition, a large touch screen shows the evolutionary stages of the turtle from its appearance on earth, and its adaptation to the climate changes of the planet, as well as maps showing the distribution of the two turtle species worldwide, in the Mediterranean and in Cyprus.
In the main hall of the Center, attention is focused on the 3D depiction of Lara Beach with turtles in the crosshairs of natural and human threats.
The last pages of this first-published guide encourage, starting from Inia, “Short Trips to the Surrounding Area” and provide “Useful Information” for accommodation and catering, Museums, and Nature Study Trails.
