Statement on the passing of Martin Abbas Hellicar, director of Birdlife Cyprus

The Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus expresses its sincerest condolences on the passing of Martin Abbas Hellicar, director of Birdlife Cyprus and a renowned conservationist, writer and ecologist. A tragic loss for the whole of Cyprus.

Under Martin's leadership, BirdLife Cyprus have been running a number of groundbreaking EU-funded projects and LIFE programmes aimed at protecting biodiversity, wildlife, protected sites or endangered species of the island.

Martin embodied the values of respect and love of nature, an undying commitment to its preservation and restoration, as well as the value of collaboration for the common good. The EU has lost a friend and Cyprus one of its finest and most trailblazing conservationists.

Martin's legacy is immense and will continue to inspire. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.