Time Running Out to Kill Toxic Tree Pest

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[Pine Processionary Moth Caterpillars]
The Environmental Platform noted that pine processionary moths have caused significant damage in many forest areas by exceeding the “damage threshold”. They requested a meeting with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel to discuss the urgency of conducting aerial biological spraying and to get his support for starting the tender process as soon as possible. However, even though a month has passed, they haven’t received a response. In light of this, the Platform announced that they would hold a press conference in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday at 10am, Yeniduzen reports.

The Platform stressed that aerial spraying should be done between September and December, and that it’s crucial not to miss the spraying season again this year. They warned that if they don’t get the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Üstel, they will continue their actions in a more extensive manner.

In a written statement on behalf of the Environmental Platform, Cemal Mert, the Environmental, Public Health, and Human Rights Officer of the Turkish Cypriot Medical Association (KTTB), mentioned that no aerial spraying has been done against the pine processionary moth for the past three years. As a result, these pests have caused extensive damage by surpassing the “damage threshold” in many forest areas and have started to invade living spaces like schools, military barracks, and parks, harming both humans and animals.

Mert added that during their meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hüseyin Çavuş, they were promised that aerial biological spraying would be carried out, and they agreed on a draft protocol. However, Mert claims that Çavuş shelved the draft. Despite their persistent efforts, Çavuş has avoided publicly announcing his commitment to aerial biological spraying. Mert stressed that to avoid missing the spraying season, which should occur between September and December, the tender process needs to be completed by the end of July or early August at the latest. However, they have not received any information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the Forestry Department regarding the start of the tender process.

Mert also mentioned that the aerial biological spraying method was used until 2020, achieving a success rate of up to 99% according to Forestry Department findings. However, over the last three years, the spraying has been neglected, and other elements of integrated pest management have not been sufficient.

The organisations that make up the Environmental Platform are: Green Peace Movement, Chamber of Forest Engineers, Cyprus Foundation for Combating Erosion and Afforestation (KEMA), Turkish Cypriot Medical Association, Lefke Environment and Promotion Association, Biologists Association, Universal Patient Rights Association, and the Chamber of Urban Planners.

Yeniduzen

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