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 an important role in Europe’s biodiversity conservation efforts, are strengthening with the participation of more and more countries each year. In this context,
The “9th Partners and Experts Meeting,” organized by Butterfly Conservation Europe (BCE) and considered one of the continent’s most comprehensive scientific gatherings, 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 policy and scientific studies on the conservation of butterfly and moth species across Europe. The event, held every two years, created a broad scientific sharing environment with the participation of 50 experts from 38 countries. The program included board meetings, presentations, and technical sessions; The changes in butterfly populations in Europe over the years, habitat loss, and the increasing environmental threats on the continent were discussed in detail. At the meeting, which also included representatives from the European Union Commission, countries shared up-to-date data obtained from monitoring studies conducted in their 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 status 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 ecosystems in the region.

The Status of European Butterflies Discussed.

The meeting comprehensively assessed the changes observed in butterfly and moth populations in Europe in recent years, the current conservation status of habitats, and common threats faced across the continent. Experts also reviewed the European Butterfly Red List 2025 report published by the IUCN and BCE. According to the report, 15% of butterfly species in Europe are threatened with extinction. It was emphasized that the rapid changes in ecosystems constitute a serious warning, and that conservation efforts urgently need to be strengthened. 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.

This event is compatible with SDG 15, SDG 13, and SDG 17!