Hunting licence fees in Cyprus are set to rise significantly under a Ministry of Interior bill now in public consultation, with standard licences jumping from €77 to €120 if parliament approves the legislation.
The bill amends the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Laws of 2003 to 2021 and proposes revising the fees paid by hunters across all age categories.
Under the proposals, the standard hunting licence for hunters aged 18 to 65 would rise from €77 to €120. Hunters aged 65 to 80 would see their fee increase from €43 to €65. Hunters aged 80 and over would receive their licence free of charge. A separate provision in the bill would increase the standard licence fee by five per cent every four years, effective from August 1 of the year in which the four-year period since the last adjustment is completed.
Phileleftheros was told the increase was considered necessary because licence fees have remained unchanged for 21 years, with current rates in place since 2005. Revenue from hunting licences is expected to be allocated to the Game and Fauna Service for game development and the protection of wildlife and the environment.
Last year, 37,000 people issued new or renewed their hunting licences, Phileleftheros was told. However, the trend for outdoor activities such as hunting is declining, with fewer people renewing their licences each time. Reduced game stocks and weather conditions are among the contributing factors, according to the same source.
The bill has been placed in public consultation and will be sent to parliament for debate.
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