Filenews 22 October 2025
The issue of cutting off access to the Larnaca salt pans, after the incident of two vehicles being trapped for several days in the Great Salt Lake, was raised at a meeting between stakeholders.
According to an announcement by the Municipality of Larnaca, the meeting took place last week with the participation of representatives of the Municipality, the Department of Environment and the Game and Fauna Service, on the subject of the implementation of additional measures to prevent access to the salt pans.
The meeting is part of the continuous effort of the Municipal Authority for dialogue with the competent bodies on issues of protection of the Larnaca salt pans, which are one of the most important wetlands in Cyprus with rich biodiversity.
During the meeting, the participants exchanged views and concerns, with particular emphasis on solutions such as the repositioning of piles, the investigation of the placement of boulders at key vehicle entry points, the installation of more information signs and the systematic information and education of citizens about the effects of driving and walking within the wetland.
As noted, "driving and walking within the wetland of the salt lake when the salt marshes are dry, can easily destroy eggs and chicks of birds that nest on the bare surface of the salt marshes." At the same time, the main food of flamingos and other birds, the Artemis brine shrimp (Artemia salina), which are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, is destroyed.
During the summer months, when the salt marshes dry up, the shrimp remain dormant in cysts until the rains allow them to hatch.
It is reminded that visitors can enjoy the salt pans by following the designated trails, visiting the bird observatory or the organized viewing and resting areas along the routes.
The Municipality of Larnaca, the Department of Environment and the Game and Fauna Service emphasize that they remain "firmly committed to the protection of the Larnaca salt pans with the aim of protecting biodiversity and improving the quality of life in our city".
CNA
