in-cyprus 2 July 2025
The Environmental Department of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) has confirmed over 100 turtle nests on designated beaches since early May.
In a press release on Wednesday, the Bases noted that conservation efforts for protected Green and Loggerhead turtles continue under a minimum intervention approach.
Environmental experts coordinate turtle conservation with an estimated survival rate of one in 1,000 hatchlings reaching adulthood, the press release said. The department relies on volunteers conducting daily beach patrols to identify turtle tracks and nesting sites.
“Turtle nests are demarcated with a protective aluminium cage and a small warning sign and nothing else is done until they hatch,” said Alexia Perdiou, SBA Senior Environmental Policy Advisor. “Hatchlings are left on their own to make their way to the sea without any supervision or assistance and their first crawl across the sand is essential for imprinting the characteristics of the beach, which enables them to return to the same beach years later to nest as adults.”
Protection measures include restricting beach access and enforcement action against illegal activities including overnight camping, lighting fires, dog walking and late-night beach parties with strong lights, Perdiou said.
Restaurants operating on beaches must comply with seashore and environmental legislation, including business licences prohibiting placement of sunbeds and umbrellas between 7pm and 7am.
Violations carry penalties of up to three years imprisonment, fines reaching €17,000, or both under the SBA Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife Ordinance.
The SBAs recorded record turtle nest numbers in the previous two years. Perdiou expressed optimism for 2025 results based on systematic, science-based conservation practices and rigorous enforcement.
“We hope that the 2025 nesting season will be just as successful,” she said. “We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with volunteers, NGOs, local authorities and the Republic of Cyprus departments and their commitment and partnership have contributed to this remarkable result.”
The department urged beachgoers to report illegal activities or stranded turtle sightings to SBA Police on 1443.
