Designated terrestrial protected areas

The total share of terrestrial protected areas – including Natura 2000 sites and nationally designated areas – was 37.8% of Cyprus’s land area in 2022 (see graph). That means the EU policy target of a 30% share by 2030 has already been achieved. More specifically, 18.31% of Cyprus’s land was covered by Natura 2000 areas in 2022. Within the framework of the implementation of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, 43 sites have been designated as sites of community importance or special areas of conservation in the Natura 2000 network for the protection and conservation of important and valuable biodiversity on the island. In addition, 33 sites have been designated as special protection areas for the protection of birds. According to the latest evaluation by the Natura 2000 Barometer, Natura 2000 sites now cover 29.5% of the area under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus (i.e. excluding the area north of the Green Line), which meets the EU policy target.