New Wildlife Care Center in Geri: State-of-the-art facilities inaugurated (PHOTO)

The establishment of the Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Center in the Geriou area enhances the capacity to care for wild animals, with the budget for its construction amounting to €720,000, said Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou in his remarks during the Center’s opening ceremony on Friday.

Mr. Ioannou noted that the project was implemented as part of the “Management of Natura 2000 Network Sites,” through the “THALIA 2021–2027” Program, with a total budget of €720,000.

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As the Minister noted, the new Center replaces the existing, outdated facilities in the Athalassa area, which have been in operation since 1995.

“With the creation of these new, modern facilities, we are substantially upgrading our capacity to care for and rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned animals, with the ultimate goal, where possible, of returning them to their natural habitat,” he said.

He also noted that the Center plays a particularly important role in protecting rare and endangered wildlife species, such as the vulture.

“The ability to provide appropriate treatment and care, as well as reintroducing them to the wild, where possible, strengthens efforts to conserve these valuable species and protect the country’s biodiversity,” said Mr. Ioannou.

He also noted that the Center will serve as a venue for public education and awareness, as well as a hub for advancing scientific knowledge about wildlife species.

“The implementation of this project is a concrete example of how available European and national resources can be utilized to strengthen the protection of the natural environment,” he said.

Constantinos Ioannou stated that the Ministry of the Interior is planning a series of measures in the near future to strengthen the project and improve the operations of the Game and Wildlife Service.

Specifically, according to the Minister, the planned changes concern the operation of the Service in accordance with the management and operational standards of the Fire Service, the coverage of all its operating expenses through a state subsidy, as well as the assumption by the General Accounting Office of the Republic of the responsibility for calculating and paying the pension benefits of its employees.