Students in Cyprus learn to investigate wildlife crimes

Secondary school students in Cyprus can now try their hand as ecological investigators as part of a new educational project dedicated to protecting the critically endangered griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus).

The program is implemented by the Department of Environmental and Sustainable Education of the Ministry of Education through the Akrotiri Community Environmental Education Centre.

During the lessons, students "investigate" a real wildlife crime: they are taken to the location where a deceased griffon vulture was found. Students analyze possible causes and circumstances of the bird's death, studying the threats faced by this rare species.

The program is called "On the Brink of Extinction — Cyprus Griffons" and was developed under the Darwin Local Plus project, aimed at saving the griffon vulture from complete extinction in Cyprus and the British Sovereign Base Areas.

The training is conducted interactively and develops skills in collaboration, observation, and critical thinking. A key element is field simulation of an ecological crime investigation.

Schools can register to participate via the Pedagogical Institute's electronic platform. Additional information can be obtained from the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre by phone at 25 826562.