Cyprus Reptiles has been busy writing to all of the Cyprus MEP’s, Permanent staff from Cyprus on the Council for Europe, The EU Commission for the Environment and all of the Cyprus Deputies about the plight of the Cyprus Grass Snake (CGS).
We have been telling them that according to George’s latest field surveys that the CGS is now extinct at Xyliatos and Paralimni and reminding them that it is almost, and possibly, extinct in the Troodos.
The much talked about EU legal action being taken against Cyprus regarding Paralimni has yet,we understand to go to a proceeding actually in Court. It has taken so long that the CGS is now extinct. So what is the point of this? A fine of several million euro will only hurt the people of Cyprus and will not bring back the CGS.
Through the EU Petition we have been telling the EU Parliament, MEP’s and The EU Commission for the Environment that it is not doing enough, fast enough.
The only measure that can save the CGS is a captive breeding programme and we have asked all parties that have influence to press the Cyprus Government through whatever means to provide George with all the resources he needs right now.
The general petition now has 260 signatures from within Cyprus and other EU Countries and we hope that many more will sign before George takes this to Nicosia for presentation to the Government.
We have also asked the Cyprus Green Party to undertake a vigorous political campaign in support and we await their decision. We will let you know what they decide.
In the meantime if you are a resident of another EU Member State then please write to your own MEP’s or if you are a resident in Cyprus your own local MP or Deputy and your MEP.