According to Directive 2009/147/EC (Birds Directive), Member States must take measures to ensure the conservation and regulate the exploitation of birds that naturally occur in the wild on European territory, so that their populations are maintained or adapted to a satisfactory level. The Directive provides for the establishment of "Special Protection Areas" (SPAs) for the most threatened bird species (species listed in Annex I) and for migratory birds whose presence is regular, with the aim of protecting and managing them. The SPAs are also included in the Natura 2000 Network.

The above Directives have been incorporated into the legislative framework of the Republic of Cyprus through the following laws:

• The Law on the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife (Law No. 153(I)/2003): This law fully harmonizes the Republic of Cyprus with European Directive 92/43/EEC and aims at the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
• The Law on the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game (Law No. 152(I)/2003): This law fully harmonizes the Republic of Cyprus with European Directive 79/409/EEC (revised as 2009/147/EC) and aims at the protection, conservation, management and/or restoration of the population of all wild birds within the Republic of Cyprus.

In addition to the above-mentioned laws, there are other laws in Cypriot legislation that include environmental and biodiversity issues in their provisions.