Project Title: Olive Tree Rescue Project
Grantee: The Olive Tree (Rescue) Project

Summary:
The SAVE Olive Tree Relocating grant was awarded in November 2006 to support ongoing efforts by a local NGO “The Olive Tree Project” to save ancient and precious olive trees that were about to be destroyed, usually in the face of development pressures.  This organization was able to relocate the trees, with very little damage, to areas were they can be better protected and cared for.  

Project Title: Rainwater Harvesting
Grantee:  Mehmet Emin Karagil

Summary:
The Rainwater Harvesting Reservoir grant awarded in November 2006 supported a local farmer's efforts to explore the benefits of winter rainwater catchment for summer irrigation of a fruit and nut tree orchard.  As part of the award agreement, the farmer documented water levels in the rainwater reservoir as well as the subsequent savings in irrigation water.  This information and the demonstration project were used to educate other area farmers on how to improve water management techniques.

Project Title:  Improving the Ecosystem with Cypriot Honey Bees
Grantee: Kantara Balları (Small Enterprise)

Summary:
The SAVE Cypriot Honey Beehives grant was awarded in November 2006 to fund the purchase and installation of 200 beehives in the Kantara region for the cultivation of the endangered Cypriot honey bee and to support the local production of honey.  This was an important initiative to maintain a vital part of the Cypriot ecosystem while also providing a sustainable development opportunity in protecting a unique aspect of local cultural heritage.

 Project Title: Raising Awareness in the Rural Areas on the Need to Preserve, Protect, and Restore our Environmental and Cultural Heritage
Grantee: Akova Women’s Association

Summary:

The SAVE grant to the Akova Women’s Association was awarded in January 2007 and funded four activities to highlight the importance of the environment and Cypriot heritage.  The grant activities were: 1) Earth Day competition for secondary school students on the environment to produce slogans which will then be used on badges and distributed by the children at Earth Day celebrations; 2) publication of a Cookery Book with recipes of traditional Cypriot Food that will also highlight the ingredients that play a key role in the environment or culture; 3) tree planting with kids at Akova Forest; and, 4) clean-up campaign for kids to involve and teach children on the need to protect the environment.  This grant concluded in December 2009 with the highly successful launch of the Tastes from Cyprus cookbook.

Project Title: “Cleaning Up Our Act” Project
Grantee: Archeology and History of Art Club
 
Summary:
The SAVE Cleaning Our Act grant funded a clean-up campaign of historic monuments in Famagusta by the Archaeology and History of Art Club.  The grant was used to clean four selected sites in Famagusta and then place trash bins and benches at two locations. Stage 1: cleared debris and cleaned up trash at the Lusignan sites of St. George of the Latin Church, St. Francis Church, and St. George of the Greeks Church and the Byzantine St. Simeon Church.  Stage 2: included procurement and installation of trash bins and park benches to be placed at two of the sites to further increase everyone’s enjoyment of these beautiful sites. 

 Project Title: Tourism Market Shop
Grantee:  Lusignan Art Café & Bar

Summary:
The SAVE Tourist Market Shop grant was awarded in January 2007.  The grant funded the expansion of the existing Lusignan Art & Café to integrate a shop featuring primarily organic local products and handicrafts that celebrate village individuality.  The main purpose of the project was to increase demand for local products and Cypriot culture, which will consequently provide a new market and an income generation for small village farmers and handicrafts producers.

Project Title: Büyükkonuk/Komi Kebir Village - Heritage Conservation and Enhancement
Grantee:   Friends of Karpaz Association & Büyükkonuk/Komi Kebir Village Eco-Tourism Committee :

Summary:
The SAVE Buyukkonuk/Komi Kebir Village Enhancement grant was awarded in March 2007 and funded a range of village beautification and town improvements to support ongoing efforts in the community to promote sustainable development and eco-tourism.  Improvements were made to buildings and the public areas around the village center to create a sense of arrival for people to Buyukkonuk/Komi Kebir and enhance its appeal and accessibility for tourists and residents alike.  New paving stones and pathways were laid, landscaping and delineation of pedestrian walkways was completed, a seating area in the central square was created, and a central information board, better lighting and improved parking areas were installed.  Work also included restoration and beautification of building facades in the town center.

Project Title: Educational Workshops on the Protection of Olive Trees for School Children
Grantee: ZAKAD (Olive Tree Protection and Research Association)

Summary:
This SAVE grant was awarded in April 2007 to improve ZAKAD’s ongoing educational workshops for school children on the protection of olive trees.  This project is important because it is raising awareness of young school children and helping them understand why it is important to protect and preserve this rich natural and cultural resource for the present and for the future.

Project Title: Eco-Architecture: Earth Construction: Harmonization between Architecture and Nature
Grantee:  Cyprus Arc Plan Co Ltd. in cooperation with Cyprus Chamber of Architects

Summary:
The grant was awarded in July 2007 and funded a full day seminar/workshop which addressed the benefit of traditional mud brick architecture and building practices.  The seminar provided short lectures on the production of Alker; design principles of Alker construction; and, discussion on Alker versus Mud brick.  Participants were also trained on how to make Alker and Mud brick and were able to compare the two techniques in terms of labor and time requirements, durability and strength.





Project Title: Publication of a guide for the Saint Mamas Cathedral in Morphou
Grantee: Holy Bishopric of Morphou

Summary:
The SAVE grant to the Holy Bishopric of Morphou was awarded in August 2007 and funded the publication of a guide that details the archaeological, historical and scientific analysis of the Church of St. Mamas.  The publication was translated and published in English and Greek. 










Project Title: “Cleaning Our Act” Project Famagusta Monuments Part 2
Grantee: The Archeology and History of Art Club

Summary:
The Archeology and History of Art Club students carried out a follow-on grant to their highly successful initial grant to fund a small scale cleaning campaign for historical sites in Famagusta.  This SAVE grant was awarded in July 2007 and was used to greatly expand their initial efforts.  The grant funded the student clean up of 15 historical monuments:  Othello Castle, St. Mary of Carmel and environs, Armenian Church and environs, Unidentified Church (located south of St. Peter and Paul), Twin Churches (Templar and Hospitaller), Kertikli Hamam, Kizil Hamam, Cafer Pasa Hamam and environs, Church of St. George of the Greeks, Church of St. George of the Latins, St. Antonie Church, Ay. Zoni Church, St. Francis Church, St. Simeon Church and Ay. Nicholas Church. 

Project Title: Saving an Ottoman House
Grantee: French Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association

Summary:
The Saving an Ottoman House grant funded the restoration of an old Ottoman Mansion built in 1896 in the historic district of Nicosia.  This project was awarded in November 2007 to help save an important cultural heritage building while at the same time supporting a well-established non-profit association in its ongoing service to the local community with their many successful cultural activities. Through SAVE and with additional support from the French Embassy, this historic home has been restored, retaining or duplicating as many of the original architectural features as possible. The conservation works included repair and replacement of the roof; repair of the hanging wooden ceiling; replacement of the middle flooring and its repaving with Cypriot marble; reversal of several “modern” architectural features to restore its traditional character; and, upgrading of lighting, plumbing and wiring to accommodate its use in the 21st century.  SAVE also funded outside signage and an information board to be hung inside the building, detailing the history of the Ottoman House and the conservation process including before and after pictures of the restoration. 





Project Title: Large Water Tank to Facilitate Water Saving
Grantee: Ozal Ziya Akdogu

Summary:
The grant awarded in December 2007 to support a local pomegranate farmer in a demonstration project to install 10 8-ton capacity water tanks for his orchard.  The object was to demonstrate how allowing farmers to store irrigation water and then self regulate their irrigation schedule can save significant amounts of water. 









Project Title: Separation of Waste
Grantee: Biologists Association

Summary:
The “Separation of Waste” recycling program was run by the Biologist Association in cooperation with Nicosia Secondary School. This grant was awarded in November 2007 and was implemented in three stages; Stage I involved students being taken to a local dump sites to see for themselves the disadvantages of not having a recycling system implemented in Cyprus.  Stage 2 was a slogan competition and a series of seminars supported with presentations, brochures and posters where students were informed about the state of waste in Cyprus, and educated on different types of solid waste, ways to reduce the amount of waste dumped and the benefits of recycling.  Stage 3 of the project involved separated solid waste collection by placing nine recycling bins in different areas around the high school.  The recycling bins have SAVE and USAID logo’s and the winning students’ slogans printed on them. 



Project Title: Supplying Clean Electricity Energy to Our School’s Electric-Electronic Workshop
Grantee: Clean Energy Group

Summary:
The SAVE grant to the Clean Energy Group was awarded in February 2008 and funded the construction of a completely renewable power system to generates the electricity required for a local vocational secondary school’s electric-electronic workshop.  The system uses only wind and solar energy for the workshop.  The research for the system as well as the entire installation was undertaken by the class under the supervision of the teachers and provided an incredibly rich learning experience for all involved.  This project was not only important and beneficial for the students involved; it also was a great example for the community to see that alternative, environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources are easy to install and inexpensive in the long run.  With this project the school was able to successfully generate its own clean energy and no longer pollute the environment nor spend hundreds on electricity.  



Project Title: “Cleaning Our Act Rescue Project” on Famagusta Monuments
Grantee: Cleaning Our Act Group

Summary:
The Archeology and History of Art Club students received a final grant with their new name “Cleaning Our Act Group” to close-out their success with a final small scale cleaning campaign of the historical sites which recently re-opened for public visits in Famagusta.  This SAVE grant was awarded in February 2008 and was used to clean three monuments that have been off-limits for a very long time; St. Mary of Bethlehem Underground Church, the Church of St. Anne and Jacobite Church. This grant concluded in March 2008 with a public presentation organized by the group marking the completion of their clean-up campaign of a total of 22 Famagusta monuments. 


Project Title: Cambili Church Renovation
Grantee: Nasso Chrysochou and Sequence Planning & Design Ltd. Coordination with Kormatikis Trust

Summary:
The SAVE Cambili Church Renovation grant was awarded in May 2008 and funded the documentation and conservation of the medieval Maronite church which was built in the 12th-13th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This project is a great example of co-operation between three communities in Cyprus; the Maronites, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.  This project is furthering SAVE’s overall objective by promoting and highlighting the importance of working together as bi/tri communally for the protection of  Cyprus’ valuable heritage. The conservation works included the consolidation of the stonework of the outer walls; the repair and isolation of the roof; the painting of the inner walls; the installation of interior and exterior floor lighting; the preservation and renovation of the original flooring; the repairing of the door and windows; the installation of an effective drainage system to prevent moisture problems; and the installation of glass windows to prevent the entry of birds.


Project Title: Organizations and the Natural Environment (GRONEN) Research Conference     
Grantee: University of Cyprus

Summary:
The SAVE grant to the University of Cyprus was awarded in May 2008 and funded the participation of two international keynote speakers for the two day international research conference on “Organization and the Natural Environment” hosted by the University.  Both speakers were authorities in their fields and presented topics of particular relevance to Cypriots on both sides of the dividing Green Line. 




Project Title: Conservation Library
Grantee: Chamber of Architects

Summary:
The Conservation Library grant was awarded in September 2008 in order to create a previously nonexistent resource for the local cultural heritage community and anyone interested in conservation, architecture and restoration.  The bulk of the funding was provided for conservation books and included a core list of essential books in this sector developed by SAVE international experts.  This project also contained significant cost sharing from the Chamber of Architects demonstrating their long-term commitment.  The library is open to the public and provides a valuable new facility and reference center including access to internet-based resources and it will serve as a repository of academic work by Cypriots in related fields.




Project Title: Ottoman and Turkish Monuments in Cyprus
Grantee: Turkish Cypriot Education Foundation

Summary:
This grant supported the publication of the English translation of Ottoman, Islamic and Islamised Monuments in Cyprus, written by noted archeologist Tuncer Bagiskan. This grant was awarded because of the unique cultural heritage value of this publication.  There are no similar books available in English on monuments dated to the Ottoman period in Cyprus and so this book constitutes a significant addition to the body of international scholarship on Cypriot cultural heritage. 






Project Title: Yard Waste Composting
Grantee: Chamber of Turkish Cypriot Environmental Engineers

Summary:
The SAVE Yard Waste Composting grant was awarded in February 2009 for the implementation of a pilot project that involves community-wide composting of organic yard wastes collected in the Alsancak/Motides region. The grant was a direct extension of SAVE’s ongoing solid waste management work.  The grantee is working in partnership with Alsancak/Motides which has established curbside collection and storage (not dumping) of organic wastes since April 2009.  These organic wastes are then mulched and composted.  Composting has been carried out using trench composting methods and effective, perfectly formed, rich organic compost began to be generated for local use from the trenches in March 2010.


Project Title: Global Water Efficiency – International Conference and Exhibition
Grantee: Koch Ltd.

Summary:
The Global Water Efficiency–International Conference and Exhibition was a two day event with a series of presentations and debates on issues such as water governance, water shortage, water efficiency and water conservancy.  World experts presented on cutting edge successful techniques and methodologies applied internationally as well as on the latest technologies and products used worldwide in managing water efficiently and effectively.  The SAVE grant supported one of the keynote speakers for the Conference as well as sponsored the participation of six water industry representatives from the Turkish Cypriot community (TCC).

Project Title: Paper Recycling and Raising Awareness
Grantee: Cyprus Action for Recycling and Environment (C.A.R.E.)

Summary:
The SAVE grant to C.A.R.E was awarded in March 2009 and supported a pilot initiative to launch a viable paper recycling program for the Turkish Cypriot community.  The grant funded the start of paper collection in schools and from large private organizations around Nicosia in order for C.A.R.E to collect baseline information on paper waste levels in key sectors to better determine the long-term sustainability of an expanded recycling program. 








Project Title: Famagusta Walled City Destination Development Project (MASDER)
Grantee: Famagusta Walled City Steering Committee

Summary:
The SAVE grant to the Famagusta Walled City Steering Committee (now called MASDER) was awarded in March 2009 to fund the translation and printing of the SAVE-developed Famagusta Historic Trail brochure and map into several languages to further promote tourism within the walled city.  The Famagusta Steering Committee is comprised of local business and community leaders from within the mediaeval walled city which specifically aims to ensure that Famagusta’s potential to be a center for visitors and commerce is largely recognized.  To implement this, the Committee is working to inspire community activism and outside interest with a variety of activities.


Project Title: Association Building Restoration
Grantee: Business Women's Association

Summary:
The SAVE grant was awarded in April 2009 and funded the restoration of an historical building in the heart of Nicosia using traditional and original Ottoman Architecture.  This grant was awarded to help support an important local organization restore and bring back to life a unique and important second grade historical building. Further, this newly restored house will now continue to serve the community as the new headquarters of the grantee, the Business Women’s Association.  It will support the development of a strong gender based organization that will benefit the island in the long run.  The newly restored Association building will be used to provide community based services, library and internet accessibility, language training, business training, IT training, handicraft training and much more. 

Project Title: CAARI Anatolian Archaeology Collection (CAAC)
Grantee: Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI)

Summary:
The SAVE grant to the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute was awarded in September 2009 to establish the Anatolian Archaeology Collection through expansion of its library monograph and serial holdings in Anatolian archaeology as a way of promoting interchange and integration amongst the scholarly communities of Cyprus. The CAARI Anatolian Archaeology Collection now provides the entire community with access to some of the best publications available on the rich archaeological heritage of Anatolia and its significance and connection to Cypriot archaeology.  This collection aims to foster respect and appreciation for the multicultural heritage and history of Cyprus and make a valuable contribution not only to archaeological scholarship but also to peace and reconciliation.  This collection is even more meaningful because we know that through the ongoing activities of CAARI, this library will be well used, enjoyed and appreciated for current and future generations.


Project Title: Pilot Study into Managing Biodiversity Conflicts in Mediterranean Small-scale Fisheries
Grantee: Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT)

Summary:
This SAVE grant funded a pilot study to better assess and determine the threats facing small-scale artisanal fisheries in north Cyprus.  Implemented by the Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT), a long-established marine turtle conservation group, the pilot study aims to combine scientific research with significant public outreach to fishermen about the key role they can play in better protecting and preserving these endangered species. Using participatory approaches, including on-board observations, interviews and questionnaires, SPOT studied the socio-economic and environmental conflicts occurring in Mediterranean small-scale fisheries, with the traditional small-boat net and longline fishery in northern Cyprus as a case study.  The report from this study will then be useful in further research at regional and global levels. Equally important, SPOT will explore options for reducing bycatch, which includes marine turtles, and to build an understanding between fishermen and conservationists in order to work together towards community based research, more sustainable practices and reduced persecution of marine wildlife. 


Project Title: The Cyprus Nature Library Project
Grantee: North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature (KUSKOR)

Summary:
The SAVE grant supported KUSKOR in creating the Cyprus Nature Library, the first comprehensive public collection of literature and resources relating to the nature and biodiversity of Cyprus. The library is housed at KUSKOR and is available to everyone living in or visiting Cyprus. The library is also placing as much material as possible online (subject to copyright limitations) to further expand the reach and impact of the library.  The literature includes books, journals, papers, reports and articles on a large variety of topics relating to the flora and fauna of Cyprus. Other topics related to the environment and conservation in Cyprus, such as population genetics, geology and geography, are also included in the library. Resources include maps, information leaflets, and contact details of those working in the biological and environment related sectors in Cyprus.





Project Title: Say NO to Plastic Bags Campaign
Grantee: Catalkoy Development and Culture Organization (CADER)

Summary:
The SAVE grant funded CADER, a local community-based NGO focusing on student engagement in environmental and cultural issues, to implement a local outreach campaign to promote the benefits of reusable bags and the harm from plastic bags.  A group of primary students worked with organizers to develop a reusable bag and then to launch and promote these bags through a series of “street theatre” performances at local supermarkets.  These performances aimed to grab the attention of supermarket customers and expose them to these issues through this informal awareness raising. The project also worked to show that everyone can contribute to the sustainable development of their community and the island by acknowledging the importance of nature and making a small effort to use reusable bags instead of polluting the environment by using plastic bags. 


Project Title: Training to Clean the Ancient Kyrenia Ship
Grantee: Susan Katsev

Summary:
The grant supported the development of a comprehensive training program, organized by respected international marine archaeologist Susan Katsev, in the highly specific and specialized techniques required to clean the ancient Kyrenia shipwreck recovered in the early 1970’s. The grantee was one of the archaeologists on the original team which located and raised the ship.  As she and her colleagues who have assumed responsibility for the ongoing care and maintenance of the ship near retirement, this training is essential to ensure that these techniques are passed on to the next generation of cultural heritage managers and local experts.



Project Title: CAARI Anatolian Archaeology Collection (CAAC) and “Cyprus and the Balance of Empires: From Justinian to the Coeur de Lion” Conference
Grantee: Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI)

Summary:
SAVE awarded a new grant to the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI) to be evenly split to support their upcoming conference, “Cyprus and the Balance of Empires: From Justinian to the Coeur de Lion” and to further expand the CAARI Anatolian Archaeology Collection of their library.  This conference aims to encourage dialogue across disciplinary and political boundaries by bringing together the foremost experts who specialize in Late Antique, Islamic, Byzantine, and Western Medieval periods on Cyprus. It is anticipated that the multifaceted focus on this era will provide a clearer picture of Cypriot society and culture in a very poorly understood period.  This was a time when Cyprus was a co-dominium with shared control by the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate and the Christian Byzantine Empire. Ultimately this conference hopes to be a catalyst, promoting further study and collaboration among European, Middle Eastern, and American researchers. Half of the grant funds will be used to cover the travel expenses for a leading U.S. scholar to present at the conference.  The other half of the grant will fund a number of significant publications to be added to the CAARI permanent collection to help increase the knowledge of Cyprus.