1. CYPRUS DIVE CENTRE ASSOCIATION
(Under the Auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry)
PRESS RELEASE
Nicosia 20 December 2013
CYPRUS – DIVE DESTINATION
CREATION OF MARINE PRESERVATION AREAS – ARTIFICIAL REEFS
The Cyprus Dive Centre Association (CDCA), operating under the auspices of the
Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry and in cooperation with the provinces of
Famagusta, Limassol and Paphos, has within the parameters of an island wide
strategy for the creation of Artificial Reefs, contributed to this end by selecting
suitable vessels to be sunk in Marine Protected Areas. The CDCA, in consultation
with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) and funded by the
Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO), coordinated the purchase of 4 suitable vessels
namely the “Laboe” and the “Nemesis III”. A third vessel, the “Lady Thetis” was
purchased by the CDCA and co-financed by the CTO and other bodies. The fourth
vessel Constantis was co-financed by CTO, the municipalities and the Cyprus Dive
Center Association.
The deployment of the first ship Nemesis III was successfully performed in Protaras
Friday 20th, 2013 by the contracting company Semesco Ltd. The event was
spectacular and attracted a large crowd and diving funs. The funding for the cleaning
and preparation of the four vessels is co-financed by the European Fisheries Fund
2008-2013 and by the Republic of Cyprus.
The CDCA as well as all other stakeholders strongly support this effort and actively
promote the creation of artificial reefs in a manner consistent with the strategy of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. The objective and the
strategy are to implement a comprehensive integrated long-term development plan
for marine preservation, in addition to Diving Tourism covering Cyprus.
The Association welcomes and appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders as
such a development contributes positively to enhancing the tourist experience and to
the further development of special interest tourism such as diving tourism. A special
mention is reserved for the significant economic contribution of the CTO, Paphos
Regional Promotion Company and the Mayor of Paralimni.
Creating Artificial Reefs and Marine Preservation Areas has as its primary objectives
the development and protection of the region’s marine wealth and biodiversity and
promoting the upgrading of the tourism product through moderate and sustainable
development that respects the environment.
Andy Varoshiotis
President
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38, Griva Dhigenis Ave and 3, Deligiorgis Str
P.O. Box 21455, 1509 Nicosia
Tel: 22889890, Fax: 22667593 Website: www.dca-cy.com