Concern about Lady's Mile beach is expressed by the environmental organizations BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria, asking the British Bases to carry out checks on businesses and implement the legislation.
The full announcement:
BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria express their deep concern about the situation observed again this year at Lady's Mile, and ask the Administration of the British Bases to clarify publicly how the implementation of legislation, environmental obligations and the conditions governing the operation of businesses in the area is ensured.
Lady's Mile is part of the wider Akrotiri wetland complex and is a protected area of high ecological importance. This period is particularly critical, as it coincides with the breeding season of sea turtles and bird species that use the coastal and wetland habitats of the area.
Since the beginning of the summer season, activities have been recorded that raise serious questions as to their compatibility with the protection status of the area and the operating conditions of the businesses. These include the organization of night events (parties), the increased use of the beach during the evening hours, the presence of bright lighting (floodlights) and noise, the presence of extensive and heavy infrastructure on the beach, such as sunbeds which by law must be removed after 7pm and until 7am, as well as water sports and floating infrastructure.
The situation in the area seems to have been gradually deteriorating over the last five years, both in terms of intensity and frequency of activities that exceed the predetermined use of the beach in accordance with the environmental legislation governing the protected area. It is noted that in the past specific events did not go ahead, as they could not secure the required environmental approvals. This previous practice shows that the relevant procedures for both licensing and control exist and can be applied when the necessary administrative will exists.
These concerns have been raised in writing and repeatedly with the British Bases Command. In our letters, we asked for information on the monitoring and control framework applied, as well as on the measures taken when non-compliance is detected. To date, no substantial answer has been given to these questions.
The British Bases Administration, as the competent authority for the area, must have an active, clear and effective monitoring, prevention and enforcement system in place, particularly in a protected area and especially during a critical period for wildlife. In addition, music and other events that attract a large number of visitors during the evening hours in the Lady's Mile area are advertised in advance and publicly displayed, which makes their existence and extent known and easily ascertainable by the competent authorities.
In particular, we ask for clarification:
• how compliance with the terms of business licenses and related environmental obligations is checked;
• whether activities such as organized events, parties, weddings or additional facilities are licensed and, if so, based on which evaluation process;
• what actions have been taken to address potential violations;
• What measures will be taken immediately to implement the legislation and reduce nuisance/pressure during the breeding season.
The implementation of legislation in protected areas must be consistent, transparent, non-discriminatory and visible and without discounts, through the adoption of zero tolerance to be effective. When activities with a significant environmental impact on biodiversity continue without clear information to control and enforce the conditions that govern them, a trust gap is created in the management of the area.
While recognising the challenge of co-existing beach leisure activities with the need to protect nature in the Lady's Mile, the priority in a protected area must be clear. The preservation of the ecological integrity of the area is an obligation arising from the current legislation and from its protection status itself.
BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria call on the Command of the British Bases to immediately proceed with substantial checks, full implementation of the legislation and enforcement where and where non-compliance is found and to inform the public about the actions taken.
We also invite the Municipality of Limassol and the Municipality of Kourion to inform us how the approved beach plans are being implemented.
