BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria and the Federation of Environmental Organizations of Cyprus express their strong concern about the organization of the three-day event "Beerateia Beer Festival", from 17 to 19 July 2026, at Agios Georgios Square in Pegeia, in relation to the impact it may have on important species that nest in the area.
In a joint letter to the Department of Environment, the three organizations request to be immediately informed whether the competent Department knew about the specific event, whether the Municipality of Akamas submitted a request for an environmental assessment and whether any environmental approval has been issued for the holding of the festival, as the site is located near two areas of the Natura 2000 Network, of the Special Area of Conservation and the Special Protection Zone "Akamas Peninsula".
As stated in a joint statement, such events and festivals, particularly when they involve loud music, bright lighting, traffic congestion and the concentration of large numbers of visitors, can cause significant disturbance to sensitive species and their habitats. The proximity of the site to protected areas makes it necessary to have a timely and substantial assessment of the possible impacts before any event and not afterwards or shortly before it takes place.
Last year's experience, it is added, when a similar festival was organized in the same place without adequate and timely environmental assessment, seems not to have served as an example to be avoided. At the time, environmental organisations had expressed serious concerns about the proper enforcement of environmental legislation. Especially during the nesting season of sea turtles, events that involve bright lighting, noise pollution and increased presence of people, next to an environmentally sensitive area, must be evaluated in a timely manner and in accordance with the applicable legislation. Only if the required approvals are secured should their organization, advertising and implementation proceed.
It is noted that environmental legislation must be applied in all cases without exception, including local authorities that organize such events. Compliance with current legislation is an essential condition for the protection of Natura 2000 sites and the species for which they have been designated.
Of particular concern is also the prospect of establishing repeated summer festivals in this square. Such a development could systematically and cumulatively increase the pressures on protected areas, their habitats and their species.
The three environmental organizations call on the Department of Environment to inform immediately and clearly whether all the required procedures have been followed. At the same time, they once again ask the Municipality of Akamas and every event organizer in the area to ensure that any activity near protected areas is planned and licensed in a timely manner, with full respect for environmental legislation and the ecological importance of the Akamas Peninsula.
