Filenews 14 December 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
There is serious concern about the continued degradation and pollution of the protected Akrotiri Salt Lake, one of the most important wetlands in Cyprus. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (YGAAP) states that it is in the process of investigating, while the environmental organization BirdLife Cyprus is sounding the alarm, calling for immediate answers and accountability.
The YGAAP emphasizes that it has initiated actions in cooperation with the British Bases Administration, all involved Departments, Services and Local Authorities, with the primary goal of identifying, recording and evaluating any sources of pollution in Aliki and Lake Makria.
According to the YGAAP, a Technical Committee has been established, under the coordination of the Municipality of Kourium, which held its first meeting on September 12, 2025. Its aim is to map the potential sources of pollution and propose improvement measures.
It is emphasized that work has begun to capture rainwater inflows and the state of connectivity of the developments around Lake Makria with the existing sewerage systems is being examined.
It is noted that the works of the central sewerage system in Zakaki have been completed and the District Local Government Organization (EOA) of Limassol has issued a connection decree, an action that is expected to improve the condition of the wetland.
The Department of the Environment has identified illegal discharges from construction work, imposing out-of-court fines of up to €20,000. Inspections are also being carried out at Lady's mile restaurants for wastewater management.
Furthermore, a study is underway by the EOA Limassol for the sewerage network of the settlements of Trachoni, Ypsonas, Kolossi, Erimi and Episkopi, along with a study on the management of rainwater.
BirdLife Cyprus speaks of a "serious and ongoing ecological crisis" and underlines that the situation touches on both environmental issues (possible violations of European and international obligations) and public health.
BirdLife Cyprus asks the State to publicly answer the origin of the abnormal water inflows recorded in Aliki and Lake Makria, given that there are extensive amounts of water, stagnant water with a strong stench and full rainwater drains without rainfall. It asks for clarification of which permits for pumping, draining and discharging water have been issued and to whom. Furthermore, it asks to answer whether connections of construction sites or developments with the rainwater culvert network have been approved.
Furthermore, BirdLife wants to check whether the legally binding environmental conditions of projects that have been implemented or are under construction are met.
In addition to the investigation, he notes, targeted restoration measures are required to recover the natural hydrology and water quality of the Salt Lake, as well as taking substantial measures to prevent contamination.
In addition, it is requested to ensure the participation of environmental organizations in the newly established Technical Committee for transparency and scientific documentation.
BirdLife points out that water quality measurements from the British Bases showed increased concentrations of the bacterium E. coli in some places, while the flamingo population in January 2025 reached historically low levels, with only 30 records, compared to an average of 3,800 each year. This is a clear indication of deterioration in water quality.
BirdLife Cyprus emphasizes that the extensive developments of recent years seem to have changed the hydrological balance of the river basin, burdening the Salt Lake.
