Remembering nature conservationist Martin Abbas Hellicar, Director of BirdLife Cyprus

Martin Abbas Hellicar dedicated his life to protecting nature in Cyprus and was one of BirdLife International’s most committed conservation leaders.

Martin was the first employee of BirdLife Cyprus back in 2003 when the organisation was formed, where he worked in a variety of roles for over 20 years, ultimately becoming Director. While leading BirdLife Cyprus as Director, he also completed his PhD, researching the interaction between grazing animals and biodiversity in the country.

Martin led BirdLife Cyprus to achieve a number of major conservation successes. These include reducing the practice of illegal bird trapping in Cyprus by an astonishing 95%, and ensuring that all the important Bird and Biodiversity areas in Cyprus were designated within the Natura 2000 network.

Recognising Martin’s legacy and achievements, Guy Shorrock, RSPB volunteer (former Senior Investigations Officer) said:

“For over two decades I’ve made many trips to Cyprus to support the efforts of BirdLife Cyprus and other agencies to tackle the illegal trapping of migrant birds. I was very lucky to work with Martin and always held him in the highest regard. A genuine and passionate advocate for nature, highly personable and with a mischievous sense of humour. His passing has been a terrible loss, not only for those who knew him, but also for nature conservation in Cyprus. Looking forward, I’m confident that his colleagues in BirdLife Cyprus will continue to build on his legacy.“

Nicola Crockford, RSPB Principal Policy Officer said:

“I worked with Martin first when I was the RSPB officer responsible for our work with BirdLife Cyprus during most of the 2000s, before and after Cyprus joined the EU.  Martin, with his steady presence, was the constant at BirdLife Cyprus throughout that time, including as Director. He was committed to tackling the illegal killing of birds, as well as broadening the scope of the organisations work, besides catering for birdwatchers and building engagement of Cypriots in nature conservation, for example to save such places as Oroklini Marsh, Akrotiri and Akamas.  It was clear that he was held in high regard by those he worked with including in government. It is devasting for Cyprus and beyond to lose this exceptionally modest, wise and committed conservation leader with a sense of humour that could make your sides ache. But at least he leaves a rich legacy and strong organisation to carry on his work.“

BirdLife International is a global partnership of national conservation organisations of which the RSPB is the UK partner. We work with BirdLife partners to support conservation around the world, including with BirdLife Cyprus.

Cyprus is an important migration route for many birds, as they migrate between their breeding grounds in Europe to their over-wintering grounds in Africa. Familiar songbirds, such as Blackcaps, Robins and Garden Warblers use the islands as a stepping-stone on their journeys.

However, songbirds on migration are subject to persecution, with the latest report finding that around 435,000 songbirds were illegally caught and killed in Cyprus in autumn 2023. We’re working in partnership with BirdLife Cyprus and others to tackle bird crime. 

The RSPB is one of BirdLife Cyprus’s most longstanding partners, having worked together for over 20 years to tackle illegal bird crime in Cyprus’s Sovereign Base Areas. The RSPB will continue to support BirdLife Cyprus to build on Martin Hellicar’s incredible legacy.

Tackling illegal bird crime in Cyprus