Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, represented Cyprus at the “9th Partners and Experts Meeting” held in Germany, conveying the threats facing the Mediterranean ecosystem to the international scientific community.
Butterfly monitoring programs, which play a significant role in Europe’s biodiversity conservation efforts, are strengthening each year with the participation of more and more countries. In this context, the “9th Partners and Experts Meeting,” carried out by Butterfly Conservation Europe (BCE) and considered one of the most comprehensive scientific gatherings of the continent, was held in Laufen, Germany. Prof. Dr. Özge Özden from Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, participated in the meeting, which addressed policies and scientific studies on the conservation of butterfly and moth species across Europe.
The biennial event created a broad scientific exchange environment with the participation of 50 experts from 38 countries. The program included board meetings, presentations, and technical sessions. The meeting thoroughly examined the changes in butterfly populations across Europe over the years, habitat loss, and the increasing environmental threats facing the continent. Representatives from the European Union Commission also attended the meeting, where countries shared up-to-date data from their monitoring studies in their respective regions.
One of the most notable presentations was given by Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, who discussed the current state of important butterfly habitats in the Mediterranean basin and the threats facing the region. Emphasizing the need to strengthen regional cooperation to protect the Mediterranean ecosystem, which is among the most vulnerable regions to climate change, Özden also shared her assessments regarding studies conducted in Cyprus and its surroundings. The presentation contributed to shaping the steps to be taken for the future of the ecosystems in the region.
The State of European Butterflies Discussed
The meeting comprehensively evaluated the changes observed in butterfly and moth populations in Europe in recent years, the current state of habitat protection, and common threats encountered across the continent. Experts also discussed the European Red List of Butterflies 2025 report published by IUCN and BCE. According to the report, 15% of butterfly species in Europe are threatened with extinction. The rapid changes in ecosystems were highlighted as a serious warning, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen conservation efforts. Another prominent agenda item at the meeting was the EU-supported EMBRACE Project (2025–2026). The project aims to expand butterfly monitoring studies across Europe, develop common methods, and increase scientific cooperation between countries. Monitoring techniques, data sharing mechanisms, and collaborative working models to be implemented within the scope of the project were also shared with the participants.
