Two new illegal refreshment stands have been built in protected areas of the Akamas Peninsula, according to environmental organisation Terra Cypria Foundation.
The unauthorised structures are located within Natura 2000 network sites, affecting conservation objectives in areas of significant ecological value within Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.
The first illegal establishment operates near the protected Avakas Gorge landscape in the Platanos area, while the second is situated near the protected Aspros River landscape in the Alimma region.
Both were constructed and operate without permits within Forest Protection Planning Zones and Coastal and Nature Protection Planning Regimes (Z4-PF).
Of particular concern is that one facility sits within the breeding area of protected birds of prey, including the Bonelli’s eagle and the peregrine falcon, which are characteristic species of the Akamas Peninsula SPA.
These territorial species require a disturbance-free zone within 1-2 km of their nests during breeding season to prevent abandonment.
The other establishment falls within the Lara-Toxeftra Marine Protected Area (MPA), the primary nesting site for endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).
These marine turtles and their nesting beaches are protected under Cypriot law, EU directives and international conventions.
According to Fisheries Regulations, placing sunbeds, umbrellas, caravans, tents or other structures within any part of the Lara-Toxeftra Protected MPA is prohibited. The Beach Protection Decree also forbids construction or placement of any structure within designated Beach Protection Zones or adjacent land plots.
Terra Cypria has called for immediate action from the Interior Minister and Agriculture Minister to remove the unauthorised structures, restore legality and protect the environment.
Under the Aarhus Convention and current environmental legislation, the organisation has requested information on planned actions by relevant authorities within one month.
