The creation of an organized beach for bathers in the community of Argaka, to serve the local and tourist needs of the residents and visitors of the area, was decided by the Central Beach Committee (KEP).
The decision of the KEP is made in an effort to achieve a balanced coexistence of tourist activity with the protection of wildlife. In yesterday's edition of the Official Gazette of the Republic, the relevant announcement for the approval of the plan for the use of Argaka beach in the municipal district of Argaka of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous is published.
The approval is subject to the explicit condition of full implementation of the strict environmental conditions set out in the Special Ecological Assessment Report (SAA) of the Department of the Environment.
This is the second time that the organized presence of bathers has been attempted on this sensitive coastline in an effort to gather bathers on organized beaches (Argakas and Gialias), in order to limit the uncontrolled use of the rest of the coastline and to reduce the impact on protected species and habitats.
It is noted that in 2021, the Central Beach Committee had again licensed the operation of an organized beach in the same area. However, that attempt failed, as the KEP was forced to suspend its operation and revoke the use plan due to non-implementation of the environmental conditions set for the protection of the ecosystem.
The beach of Argaka falls under the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of the Natura 2000 Network "Polis – Gialia Area" The area is one of the most important nesting habitats of the sea turtle Caretta caretta in Cyprus, while the presence of the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is also recorded. At the same time, it hosts protected sand dune habitats and rare species of coastal flora.
To ensure that there are no negative impacts on the breeding population of turtles and the natural morphology of the coast, the Special Ecological Assessment Report imposes a number of strict conditions:
>> Each detected sea turtle nest will be immediately covered with a special protective cage and marking in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research.
>> During the spawning and hatching period (May 1 to September 30), the beach will be open only during daylight hours (one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset). Night lighting and the stay of visitors at night are strictly prohibited to avoid disorientation of turtles and chicks.
>> The 78 approved sunbeds must be removed daily in the evenings. Instead, the 39 umbrellas will remain on fixed bases to avoid daily drilling holes in the sand, which poses a risk of destroying hidden nests.
>> It is expressly forbidden to use mechanical means or plough the sand to clean the beach, which will be done exclusively by hand.
>> Any intervention in the sand dunes is prohibited. At the same time, natural barriers (e.g. boulders or wooden stakes) are placed to completely block the entrance of wheeled vehicles to the beach.
>> Motorized water sports, floating or permanent docks and mooring are prohibited.
According to the published notification, any person or local authority that considers that their legitimate interests are affected, reserves the right to submit a Hierarchical Appeal to the Minister of the Interior within 30 days from today's publication.
