Environmental impact of the UN buffer zone in Cyprus

The United Nations buffer zone in Cyprus, established following the 1974 conflict, has evolved into an unintended biodiversity hotspot due to the reduction of human activity. According to Professor Costas Constantinou and Dr. Evi Eftychiou, who published research on the subject in 2014, the absence of development has allowed native species, including hares, birds, and turtles, to flourish. The region remains under UN supervision and hosts diverse activities, including farming, livestock units, solar parks, and bicommunal meeting spaces. While the area provides ecological benefits, it also presents challenges such as the emergence of wild dog packs that threaten livestock and human safety. Constantinou argues that future resettlement of the area must adhere to strict environmental standards to preserve this recovered ecosystem. The area continues to serve as a site for technical committee meetings and interaction between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Particular ecological significance is attributed to the Famagusta wetlands surrounding Varosha, where natural habitats remain better preserved than in surrounding areas.