The Cyprus Foundation for the Protection of the Environment Terra Cypria speaks of an uncontrolled situation and absence of effective management and controls on the beach of Lady's Mile, for the benefit of private interests and at the expense of the coastal ecosystem and sea turtles, which calls on the British Bases to act immediately to protect the area.
In a lengthy announcement on its website, Terra Cypria publishes photos and videos of the activities of the Lady's Mile catering centers, noting that "despite the fact that the beach falls within the sovereign area of the British Bases and is protected under current legislation, the image it presents today is characterized by institutional indifference, tolerance and abandonment."
Reminding that Lady's Mile beach is one of the beaches used by sea turtles for breeding and nesting and must be strictly protected, Terra Cypria notes that there is a situation of poor conservation of species and their habitats, due to anthropogenic activities with serious and negative effects.
In particular, he adds, light and noise pollution are observed from catering and recreation centers, as well as events and parties organized on the beach, seriously affecting turtles, reproductive activity and their newborns.
In addition, he continues, there is a strong human presence and nuisance, mainly during the evening hours, due to the illegal organization of events on the beach, "with the full tolerance of the competent authorities", while the beach equipment that is placed includes bulky beds, tables, umbrellas and other structures, which should be removed from the beach after sunset and before sunrise.
It also speaks of recreational activities without the required permits, environmental approvals and necessary controls, accumulation of garbage/waste and inadequate cleanliness of the beach, uncontrolled movement and parking of vehicles on the beach or adjacent dunes and sand dune ecosystems, as well as the uncontrolled presence of dogs and other activities, which affect nests of protected species.
All of the above, the announcement adds, "compose a picture not only of poor management, but of systematic tolerance of practices that undermine the preservation of such an environmentally sensitive area" and notes that "in the Lady's Mile, the absence of daily monitoring and effective enforcement of legislation is deafening".
"For this very reason, the indifference and/or inability of the British Bases Command to protect the area is now a serious political and environmental issue," notes Terra Cypria and calls on the BB to ensure the management of the area "based on its environmental needs and not on the basis of private pressure".
The announcement indicates that only two of the total six catering and leisure centres are located on private/church land, while the remaining four are located on state-owned coastal forest land and that "although some owners respect the area where they operate and follow the laws, others systematically break the law, thus proving the failure and/or unwillingness of the British Bases Administration to enforce the applicable legislation".
The Executive Director of Terra Cypria, Koulla Michael, stated that "the situation at Lady's Mile is a shame for any competent authority that knows and does not act" and added that "sea turtles and protected species cannot pay the price of inaction, tolerance and the effort not to displease some private entrepreneurs".
The Foundation calls on the British Bases to prove in practice that they manage the area with environmental responsibility and respect for the applicable legislation, with systematic controls, implementation of the legislation, imposition of strict and dissuasive sanctions, compliance with legal procedures, restoration of legality and effective protection.
The response of the British Bases
Following Terracypria's recent publication on enforcement actions and the protection of sea turtle nests at Lady's Mile Beach, a statement from the British Bases Administration is set out below.
A spokesman for the British Bases Command said: "We recognise the challenges involved in managing an environmentally sensitive area, which at the same time is under increased pressure from residents and visitors. The protection of the natural environment of the area and the safety of those who visit and use it are our highest priorities.
During last year's nesting season, nearly 300 sea turtle nests were recorded on our beaches, including Lady's Mile Beach. At the same time, we continue to implement numerous beach clean-up campaigns, with the aim of maintaining safe and suitable habitats for wildlife.
We also strictly enforce the current protectionist legislation, which is in line with the European acquis through the Regulation on the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife. Those who violate the relevant provisions face fines of up to €17,000, as well as a prison sentence of up to three years for interference or actions that cause disturbance or harm to nests or sea turtles.
Daily patrols, the use of protective aluminium cages around nests to deter predators, as well as the strict regulation of activities on beaches, form the basis of the policy programme for the enforcement and protection of turtles.
Our commitment to the strict implementation of legislation regarding the protection of sea turtle nests was also underlined again during the recent meeting of our Political Director, Fleur Thomas, with Terracypria on 14 May.
CNA
