The planning of the British Bases Administration for the installation of new antennas in the area of Merra Akrotiri is currently being examined ex officio in the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment following a recommendation by the Committee and MPs Giorgos Karaiskakis, Fotini Tsiridou and Michalis Fellas.
Against the background of the peculiarities of the status of the Bases, the main weight of the discussion falls on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was asked to take a position on the plans of the British, the diplomatic aspects and the actions of the Republic.
For the discussion of the issue, the Committee on the Environment has extended invitations to a multitude of government agencies, local authorities and environmental organizations. Local communities are expressing their concerns about the potential impact of the proposed project on public health and the natural environment of the area.
It is also noted that, over the past two decades, scientific research carried out in the area has recorded mortality incidents and bird impact hazards associated with existing antenna infrastructure. These data provide important scientific background and demonstrate that the region is already under significant pressure and facing serious threats from existing antenna infrastructure.
As underlined by environmental bodies, the Akrotiri Peninsula is an ecosystem of utmost importance for Cyprus and the Mediterranean and is home to 29 important and protected natural habitat types, including 26 of community interest and 4 priority habitats.
More than 800 species of plants are found, 32 of which are included in the "Red Book of Flora of Cyprus", as well as more than 300 species of wild birds.
It includes the Akrotiri Salt Lake, which is protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, while the area has been recognized as an Important Bird Area.
However, only 60% of the Important Bird Area falls under designated Special Protection Areas, while the area is already burdened by military installations, exercises, telecommunications systems and developments.
The proposed location of the new antennas falls within the Special Conservation Zone of Akrotiri and the Special Protection Zone of Akrotiri Wetlands, while it is directly adjacent to the Salt Lake.
Terra Cypria considers that the public debate on the protection of the region, as well as human health, is necessary and must be governed by transparency and accountability.
He recalls his participation in information meetings, protests with the Municipality of Kourion and the joint announcement with BirdLife Cyprus. It requires the full implementation of the Principles of Prevention and Precaution, calling for a scientifically documented assessment and examination of the cumulative effects. Terra Cypria notes that the evaluation must examine and take into account not only the direct and indirect effects of the proposed project individually, but also its cumulative, synergistic and cumulative effects, in combination with other existing and proposed projects and plans located in the same area.
In a memorandum to the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, the OPOK emphasizes the need for a full environmental assessment and meaningful public consultation before any final decision. It emphasizes that the accompanying/supporting works (excavations, foundations, road accesses), the impact on surface and groundwater, as well as the risks of erosion in the coastal zone of Merra must be thoroughly evaluated.
It makes special reference to the risks of bird impact, the nuisance during construction/operation and the need to protect the entire wetland system and its catchment area, including the areas under the control of the Republic.
It calls on the competent authorities and the Administration of the Bases to cooperate to avoid the creation of fait accompli, requesting full access to the studies and timely information of the residents.
