Flamingos come to Cyprus every year. They stay for the winter. People love to see them at the lakes. But now, there is a big problem. Their numbers are going down.
In the last ten years, there are 14-31% fewer flamingos. Experts watch the birds for over twenty years. They say the drop is clear.
There are many reasons for this. The weather is drier, so wetlands get smaller. Also, dirty water goes into the lakes. This is bad for the small animals that flamingos eat. New buildings and human activity near the lakes also destroy their home.
Because of this, a new ten-year plan has started. It is called the Pandotira Project. The plan will study the problems. Then, it will create actions to protect the flamingos and their lakes.
Flamingos are important. Their health shows the health of the wetlands. Protecting them helps protect all of nature in Cyprus.