Events

On the 30th of October, the event commenced with a seminar designed to help participants identify Maltese herpetofauna. Then attendees explored the Wied Għollieqa Nature Reserve.

During the activity, participants not only observed the valley's rich biodiversity but also took part in a clean-up, underscoring the importance of preserving natural habitats for both wildlife and the community.

The community garden session is geared towards citizens who want to acquire knowledge on growing their own food, even in urban environments. In this context, and keeping in mind that patches of green in the city often attract wildlife species, the attendees had the opportunity to learn about the HerpTrust project, and how they can contribute to herpetofauna monitoring. After the initial presentation of the project, usage of online herpetofauna tools was showcased.

The final multiplier event for Cyprus took place on the 3erd of November, at the beautiful village of Agia Marina Xyliatou. During the event, participants were informed on the project goals and deliverables. After the presentations, feedback was offered to the HerpTrust team as well. 

Nesting hay stacks created for the conservation of the endemic Cyprus grass snake were opened with the help of local volunteers on the 5th of October. It was a wonderful chance to connect with citizens, talk about local fauna, find snake skins and spend a day outside in nature!

On the 27th of September, the yearly European Event "Researcher's Night" was held in Nicosia. In this context, the Terrestrial Ecosystems Management lab of the Open University of Cyprus presented the projects currently running, HerpTrust included. Attendees of all ages had the chance to learn about herpetofauna, discuss questions with the research team, and even get project stickers as little mementos.

On the 29th of July, reaching the half-point of the project, one on one meetings were organised between OUC and each of the partners in order to share progress updates, possible issues and ways to move forward. Through the meetings new deadlines were set, tasks left were confirmed and next meeting times were arranged. 

In the context of the European Youth Week, and based on the objectives of the HerpTrust Project, an interactive event was organised at the Delikipos Dam. The participants had the chance to get educated on herpetofauna and other aspects of the Cypriot environment by visiting the various stations set up around the area. A large number of locals participated, including biology and other university students, families, hobbyist photographers and environmental sciences professionals! 

The HerpTrust project and its objectives were presented to stakeholders at the Sotira village of Cyprus during the events of a 2-days workshop and activities session taking place on the 13th and 14th of April. Participants had the chance to ask questions about the project, and provide feedback through anonymous forms. 

On the 13th of June, an online project coordination meeting took place, with the participation of all three involved organisations. The progress of the project was shared and evaluated, and the next steps were reviewd. Deadlines for the next tasks were set, ensuring that the project tasks will be completed within the expected timeframe. 

On the 8th of April 2024, a presentation followed by discussion was organised in collaboration with the Youth of Paralimni Municipalicy. The participants, with both physical and online presence, were informed of the importance of their local lake for Herpetofauna, as well as for the Cyprus grass snake, the endemic that resides there.

Through the discussion, ideas for further actions and collaborations for the local herpetofauna were born, which will hopefully come into fruiting in the future.

On March 21 and 27, 2024, educational activities were carried out for the students of the European University of Cyprus (EUC) within the framework of the HerpTrust Project. 

At the EUC cafeteria, students had the opportunity to observe specimens of herpetofauna as well as to discuss with the representatives of the project.

Simultaneously, in collaboration with the academic staff of the EUC, and specifically in the context of the Zoology courses, presentations were conducted from the first module of the e-learning courses of the HerpTrust Project "Know your Herps" to Biological Sciences students .

On March 21, 2024, a meeting of the HerpTrust project was held in Valletta, Malta. During the meeting, in which members from all three project partners participated, the project progress was discussed. Discussion was focused on the educational material being prepared with emphasis placed on the participation of the various stakeholders involved. Moreover, the goals that have been set were evaluated and a plan of further work for the coming months was presented.

On the 14th of March 2024, in the context of the HerpTrust Project, a presentation was held at the community center of Sotira, at Cyprus. The presentation focused on a local endemic species found at the area, the Cyprus grass snake. After the presentations, locals had the the opportunity to discuss about Herpetofauna topics with the organisers.

On the 26th of February, a meeting with Ecostack Innovations Limited took place in order to discuss the Activity 2 of the Project, which includes the creation of the Maltese Herp Atlas. During the meeting, members of the Open University of Cyprus, which started the effort of creating the Cyprus Herp Atlas, shared their knowledge and good practises. 

On the 24th of January, a public introductory presentation about the project's activities and goals took place in the Library of the Open University of Cyprus, at Nicosia.

On the 10th of January, the Kick-Off meeting of the project took place online, with participants from all three project organisations. The timeline of the project, the Activities and the tasks were discussed, setting the ground for a fruitful next year of Project Activities.

On the 18th and 22nd of December 2023, initial meetings of the HerpTrust Project coordinator, the Open University of Cyprus and the two Maltese partners, Friends of the Earth Malta and Ecostack Innovations Limited were conducted. During the short meetings, the Project details were discussed and the date of the official Kick-Off meeting was set.