The restoration of the historic reservoir in Kouklia, in the occupied Mesaoria region, has been completed, with the site now serving both as a water-retention structure and an important habitat for wildlife, the United Nations Development Programme said.
The project is funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by UNDP.
According to the announcement, local stakeholders, environmental experts, bird protection organisations, nature enthusiasts and communities working to protect and conserve wetlands gathered at the Kouklia wetlands, where recent rainfall has brought water back to the area.
Together with the EU-funded restoration of the reservoir, the renewed conditions highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen climate resilience and support nature recovery in the Mesaoria region, UNDP said.
The project was completed in October 2023 and continues to contribute to improving the area’s environmental conditions.
The Kouklia reservoir, built in 1900, is one of the oldest and largest reservoirs in Cyprus. Although it was originally constructed as water infrastructure, over time it developed into an important wildlife habitat.
However, years of limited maintenance had led to its deterioration, leaving it unable to function effectively, particularly under the growing pressures of climate change.
The restoration works addressed these challenges through repairs to key infrastructure, the installation of a new water-control system, the addition of a bridge and improvements to access and monitoring. These measures allow the reservoir to function more effectively during periods of limited rainfall.
Today, the reservoir plays an important dual role, supporting water retention while also providing valuable habitat for wildlife.
Speaking at the event, Giulia Bertezzolo, Head of the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit at the European Commission, and Alexandre Prieto, Project Manager at UNDP, underlined the importance of such initiatives.
Source: CNA
