The Cyprus Federation of Environmental Organisations has condemned an unauthorised outdoor event held near a protected turtle nesting beach on 23 August, calling it a dangerous precedent for the island’s Natura 2000 conservation areas.
The event took place at Agios Georgios Peyias, within breathing distance of the protected Toxeftra beach on the Akamas peninsula, without the required permit from the Environment Department, the federation said in a statement on Wednesday.
Toxeftra beach serves as an important breeding ground for endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), both strictly protected species under international conservation laws.
The federation noted that whilst no immediate damage to turtle nests was recorded, this was due to timing rather than proper planning, as the event occurred outside the nesting and hatching season.
Event violated Natura 2000 protection regulations
The organisation said the event, which featured lighting, sound systems and installations without proper licensing procedures, constituted “a serious violation of the protection framework” and created a dangerous precedent for Cyprus’s protected areas.
“Non-compliance with environmental legislation weakens the protection status of Natura 2000 areas and undermines our country’s credibility towards the European Union,” the federation stated.
The group emphasised that events in areas of such high ecological value must undergo Special Ecological Assessment to ensure no degradation occurs to designated species and sensitive ecosystems.
Toxeftra beach crucial for endangered sea turtle species
The federation called on authorities to immediately investigate responsibilities and take all necessary legal measures to prevent repetition of such incidents.
It also urged Akamas Municipality and other local authorities to assume their roles responsibly by respecting rather than bypassing environmental legislation.
“The federation declares clearly that it will stand against any attempt to downgrade protected areas in the name of temporary benefit,” the statement read. “Akamas, Toxeftra and every Natura 2000 area belong to all of us and to future generations”.
The organisation called on civil society to remain vigilant and actively defend the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
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