Voroklini Lake, Cyprus
Initiative for Voroklini lake Integrated Sustainability (IVIS).
Site description
Voroklini lake is a shallow lake covering an area of 85ha, located northeast of Larnaka city in Cyprus. The lake is a Natura 2000 site and is designated as a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) due to its importance with respect to two Annex I bird species: it serves as the most important nesting site in Cyprus for the Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) and supports a significant population of the Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) with Cyprus hosting over 50% of the EU breeding population.
Other Annex I species that use the lake include the Stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), Common tern (Sterna hirundo) and Little tern (Sternula albifrons). In total, around 200 bird species utilise the lake, highlighting its exceptional biodiversity value. The lake is also classified as a Site of Community Importance under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) for its halophytic marsh vegetation.
Voroklini lake is also the most important aquatic habitat in Cyprus for the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). However, past eel mortality events have been recorded, likely due to lack of year-round and permanent access through channels that feed water from the lake to the sea, lack of availability of deeper water habitat reservoirs and pollution.
The lakes catchment area is relatively small (4km2), with surface water input primarily through overflows, surface water runoff and drains from the surrounding agricultural and urban areas. As a result, nutrient enrichment and contamination by heavy metals and pesticides are key pressures affecting the ecosystem.
Restoration measures applied
Voroklini Lake has been the focus of previous restoration and management actions, notably through the LIFE Oroklini Project, which was completed in 2014. This initiative implemented measures to enhance water management and maximise water retention within the lake. Key actions included:
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Maintenance of an existing weir, ensuring that at least parts of the lake maintain sufficient water within the lake.
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Installation of an eel pass, as a way of improving eel access to the lake.
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Partial control of reeds and tamarisk to improve the area for the breeding of the spur-winged lapwing and black-winged stilt.
Current goals of restoration at the site
Ongoing management revolves around monitoring of species of importance that utilise the lake, as well as maintaining the support of the local community. The key goals of current restoration efforts include:
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Preserving suitable breeding habitats for key bird species and sustaining the presence of migratory and wintering populations of both Annex I and non-Annex I species.
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Sustaining the 53 hectares of SCI halophytic marsh communities.
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Maintaining the presence of European eel in the open water areas.
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Fostering and maintaining community and visitor support for Voroklini Lake.
Overall, the restoration aims not only to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health, but also to provide social benefits through community involvement and environmental education.
Sectors involved in lake basin management
Given the increasing pressures from surrounding land use and long-term drought, a coordinated multi-sectoral approach is essential to support the lake’s ecological health and sustainable use. Thus, the management of Voroklini Lake involves a range of key stakeholders and sectors, working together to ensure the lake’s conservation and sustainable use. Main sectors and stakeholders include:
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Environmental authorities: Cyprus Department of Environment and BirdLife Cyprus, providing ecological expertise and leading conservation initiatives.
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Forestry and wildlife management: Cyprus Department of Forests and Cyprus Game and Fauna Service, supporting habitat management and species protection.
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Local governance: Voroklini Community Council, now operating under the Larnaka Municipality, coordinating local engagement and oversight.
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Tourism and recreation: Voroklini Lake is an important birdwatching destination, with an observation tower supporting eco-tourism and environmental education.
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Agriculture and local land-use: Surrounding agricultural land, some industry, and urban expansion at the northern edge of Voroklini town influence water quality and ecological conditions.
Several of the above-mentioned organisations are participants in the IVIS Stakeholder Advisory Board, providing critical guidance on lake restoration and management strategies.
Further reading
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Further information on previous restoration actions via the Life Oroklini Project can be found here: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE10-NAT-CY-000716/restoration-and-management-of-oroklini-lake-spa-cy6000010-in-cyprus).
