The distinctive Cypriot honeybee, *Apis mellifera cypria*, a vital component of the island's natural heritage and agricultural productivity, is currently facing a serious threat to its survival. Despite the urgent necessity for protective measures, a significant proposal designed to safeguard this endemic species has remained with authorities for almost a year. This prolonged inactivity has generated considerable apprehension among both beekeepers and environmental advocates concerning the potential negative impacts on pollination and overall crop yields.
Last June, the Pancyprian Beekeepers’ Association presented a thorough plan to establish an officially recognised apiary focused on breeding the native queen bees. This crucial initiative, which aims to strengthen the declining population of *Apis mellifera cypria* and maintain its genetic integrity, has not yet received a formal response from the Ministry of Agriculture. The association has specifically requested the use of state-owned land in Athalassa, Nicosia, for this essential facility. It is envisioned as the central point for a more extensive beekeeping centre for Cyprus.
Multiple serious threats are confronting the Cypriot honeybee, significantly jeopardising its future. Foremost among these challenges are the detrimental effects of imported bee strains, which can aggressively compete with and displace native populations. Additionally, prolonged periods of drought, which have become increasingly prevalent in the region's climate, severely impair nectar availability and compromise bee health. The perceived absence of substantial governmental support further intensifies this precarious situation, leaving the survival of this unique pollinator in considerable doubt. The potential extinction of this local species carries profound ecological and economic consequences, threatening to disrupt the delicate pollination balance across the island and subsequently diminish agricultural output.
The proposed apiary would function as a critical centre for producing and distributing genetically sound native queens to beekeepers throughout Cyprus, thereby ensuring the continued proliferation of *Apis mellifera cypria*. This development would represent a cornerstone of a more ambitious project to create a dedicated beekeeping centre. Such a centre, the association contends, has been long overdue and would serve as a focal point for research, education, and the preservation of traditional beekeeping practices. However, the extended timeline for its establishment has been attributed to a combination of factors. These include complex administrative processes, the need to identify and prepare suitable infrastructure, and the significant long-term commitment inherent in such a conservation undertaking.
Lysandros Lyssandridis, the Head of the Agriculture Department, acknowledged the department's intention to facilitate the centre's creation. He stated, "The intention is to allocate a specific building owned by the agriculture ministry, so that a beekeeping centre can be created." However, he also indicated that the speed of progress is contingent upon the beekeepers’ association. "The process depends on the readiness of the association to submit a complete application," Lyssandridis remarked, suggesting that the association still bears some responsibility for finalising their proposal.
The considerable delay in implementing these protective measures is a source of significant concern. Without decisive collective action, the unique genetic lineage of the Cypriot honeybee risks being diluted or lost entirely. This would represent a loss with far-reaching ramifications for the island's natural heritage and its crucial agricultural sector. The initiative proposed by the Pancyprian Beekeepers’ Association is a proactive and essential step towards preventing this potential ecological and economic disaster. Nevertheless, its ultimate success is heavily dependent on timely and decisive intervention from the relevant government bodies.