BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria and the Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus have expressed strong concern over the three-day “Beerateia Beer Festival,” due to take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, in Agios Georgios Square in Peyia, over its potential impact on significant species that nest in the area.
In a joint letter to the Department of Environment, the three organisations asked to be informed directly whether the department had been aware of the event, whether Akamas Municipality had submitted a request for an environmental assessment, and whether any environmental approval had been issued for the festival, given that the site lies close to two Natura 2000 network areas, the Special Area of Conservation and the Special Protection Area “Akamas Peninsula.”
According to their joint statement, such events, particularly those involving loud music, intense lighting, traffic congestion and large numbers of visitors, can cause significant disturbance to sensitive species and their habitats. The proximity of the site to protected areas makes early and substantive assessment of potential impacts necessary before any event takes place, rather than afterwards or shortly beforehand.
The organisations noted that last year’s experience, when a similar festival was held at the same site without adequate and timely environmental assessment, does not appear to have served as a lesson. At the time, the environmental organisations had raised serious concerns about compliance with environmental legislation.
They said that particularly during the sea turtle nesting season, events involving intense lighting, noise pollution and large crowds beside an environmentally sensitive area must be assessed early and in line with current legislation, and that any organisation, advertising or staging of such events should only proceed once the required approvals are secured.
They noted that environmental legislation must apply in all cases without exception, including to local authorities organising such events, and that compliance with current legislation is a basic requirement for protecting Natura 2000 areas and the species for which they were designated.
The organisations also raised particular concern over the prospect of recurring summer festivals being established at the same square, saying this could systematically and cumulatively increase pressure on protected areas, habitats and species.
The three environmental organisations called on the Department of Environment to clarify directly and clearly whether all required procedures have been followed. They also repeated their call on Akamas Municipality and any organiser of events in the area to ensure that any activity near protected areas is planned and licensed in good time, with full respect for environmental legislation and the ecological significance of the Akamas Peninsula.