Cyprus cabinet adopts national roadmap against poison baits

On April 21, 2026, the Cyprus Council of Ministers approved a proposal from the Ministry of the Interior to implement the 'National Roadmap Against Poisons'. This initiative aims to address the illegal use of poisoned baits in the countryside, which is identified as the primary threat to the protected Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) and other wildlife. The roadmap was developed under the European LIFE program 'LIFE with Vultures' to ensure long-term biodiversity protection and legal compliance. It operates on four main pillars: improving knowledge of poison use, preventing and deterring incidents, enhancing investigation and suppression, and raising public awareness. Implementation involves cooperation between the Game and Fauna Service, the Department of Environment, the Forestry Department, the Department of Agriculture, the Cyprus Police, the State General Laboratory, Veterinary Services, the British Bases environmental department, and NGOs Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus. The roadmap serves as an after-LIFE stage project to maintain conservation efforts after the initial EU program concludes. The measure aims to align national practices with strict European biodiversity protection standards.