Filenews 27 August 2025
Arbitrariness within protected areas in Peyia and Akamas in general, Terra Cypria finds, which denounces significant problems and violations of the legislation. Among other things, it refers to the construction of buildings, the conflict between roads and the expansion of parking spaces and the phenomena of noise and light pollution. Among other things, Terra Cypria is calling for severe penalties to be imposed.
More specifically, in a statement it states:
Significant problems in monitoring and enforcement of the current legislation, in cases of illegal constructions and arbitrary events within protected areas, is noted by the Cyprus Foundation for Environmental Protection Terra Cypria, in a public statement addressed to the co-competent authorities and the general public.
According to Terra Cypria, after a series of on-site visits to Agios Georgios Peyia, arbitrary interventions were found in the wider area of the Akamas Peninsula, such as the reconstruction of an existing restaurant, the construction of new buildings, the expansion of a parking area and the opening of access to the beach, within and near the protected areas of the Natura 2000 network and the strictly protected area of Lara-Toxeftra.
The area in which the works were carried out has a special ecological value and great archaeological importance. According to Terra Cypria, this location:
It falls entirely within the Urban Protection Zone Z1.
It falls within and near protected areas of the Natura 2000 network.
It is adjacent to the Agios Georgios State Forest, the Akamas National Forest Park, the Geronissos Natural Micro-Reserve, the Lara-Toxeftra Marine Protected Area, as well as an archaeological site and an ancient monument.
Terra Cypria has complained, since April 28, 2025, that the works seem to have proceeded without the required Urban and Environmental Permit, which raises serious questions for compliance with the legislation.
To date, the Paphos District Authority has not responded to the Foundation's letters, while the Department of the Environment, in today's letter of reply, confirms that no application for environmental approval has been submitted for these projects. Therefore, the works are considered illegal, as there was no Proper Impact Assessment, as provided for by environmental legislation.
The situation was further aggravated when, on 21 August 2025, it was found that a platform and sound and lighting equipment had been installed in the same area for the purpose of holding an outdoor event. Terra Cypria immediately filed a complaint, while in a letter to the competent Ministers it pointed out the possible dangers for rare species of fauna, such as sea turtles and the Mediterranean monk seal, which use the area for breeding and resting.
On 23 August, the Foundation recorded high levels of noise and light pollution at Toxeftra beach and forwarded relevant audiovisual material to the Department of Environment. The event allegedly took place without the necessary permission, while the efforts to mitigate the lighting by the Municipality of Akamas were deemed insufficient.
In a joint statement, the Department of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research stressed that they had not given any approval for the event and that the Municipality had been asked to cancel it. However, the relevant platform remains in place.
Terra Cypria warns that, although there was no recorded nesting or hatching of turtles on this particular night, this is due to "luck" according to statements by the director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and does not exclude significant effects in the future, especially during the breeding season of the species (May – October).
The Foundation underlines that:
Local authorities do not comply with environmental approval procedures.
Co-competent authorities do not enforce the legislation effectively.
Natura 2000 protected areas lack substantive protection and management decrees.
The mitigation measures adopted are insufficient and not feasible in practice.
Terra Cypria Requests to the State
Terra Cypria demands:
Immediate dismantling of the illegal platform in Agios Georgios Pegeia.
Termination of any scheduled outdoor event in the area with the use of a platform, speakers and projectors.
Impose severe penalties for wildlife crimes and violations of environmental legislation.
Full implementation of environmental legislation, based on the principles of Prevention and Precaution.
Finally, the Foundation denounces attempts to target and discredit the work of environmental organizations, pointing out that no attempt to intimidate them will prevent them from defending the natural and cultural heritage of Cyprus.
