Hunters in Cyprus are set to stage demonstrations on Saturday, March 15, 2025, blocking major roundabouts in protest against what they describe as excessive restrictions on hunting activities and inadequate management of hunting areas.
The United Cypriots Hunters Movement has organised the protest to demand immediate regulation amendments, citing multiple grievances including restrictions on dog training and concerns about illegal poaching activities.
Planned road blockades
Protesters will target two major roundabouts, potentially causing significant traffic disruption:
- Troodos Roundabout (Paphos and Limassol Districts)
- Meeting point: Themistocleio Stadium, Limassol
- Assembly time: 11:00
- Departure for blockade: 11:45
- Coordinator: Michalis Nicolaides (99560460)
- Rizoelia Roundabout (Famagusta, Larnaca and Nicosia Districts)
- Meeting point: Cosmyria reception hall parking area
- Assembly time: 11:00
- Departure for blockade: 11:45
- Coordinator: Lefteris Theodorou (99318654)
Multiple stakeholder perspectives
Hunting advocacy groups claim they have faced “serious problems” for years, attributing these to what they describe as “a failed management program that has led to wildlife depletion”. They are calling for scientific studies and more equitable distribution of hunting areas.
Their demands include expanded areas for training hunting dogs, protection from activist disruption, restrictions on uncontrolled licensing of photovoltaic parks in biotopes, and stricter penalties for poaching.
The protesters have specifically requested the presence of representatives from the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation to address whether they are willing to satisfy hunters’ demands.
“If there is consensus, the Game Service can proceed with issuing the decree,” organisers stated, emphasising that “unity is the key” to securing their rights.
