ALMA Movement MP Irene Charalambides has raised the issue of Lara Beach, submitting ten questions to the Environment Minister and registering the matter with the relevant House committee.
Among other things, Charalambides is seeking specific data on how Natura 2000 areas are currently monitored, the personnel and services involved, and the number of on-site inspections and violations recorded in recent years.
She is also asking whether modern technological tools, such as satellite data and drones, are being used to detect illegal interventions early, and what specific measures are in place for high-risk areas such as Lara during the summer months.
Charalambides’s letter, reproduced in full:
“Following recent events at Lara Beach, the need has emerged for the effective implementation of measures to protect and prevent illegal or harmful interventions within protected areas. On this basis, I have submitted ten questions to the responsible Minister.
At the same time, I have submitted the matter for registration with the relevant Parliamentary Committee.
The questions are reproduced in full:
- By what specific mechanism is the systematic supervision and monitoring of Natura 2000 areas currently carried out?
- Which competent services are involved, and how many people are employed for this purpose, by service and by district?
- How many on-site inspections were carried out in Natura 2000 areas during 2023, 2024, 2025 and so far in 2026, by area and competent service?
- How many violations or illegal interventions were identified within Natura 2000 areas during the above period, and what was their nature, for example illegal building or other developments, land clearance, waste dumping, road construction, interventions in habitats or other activities?
- For the above violations, how many complaints, administrative procedures or other law enforcement actions were taken, and what sanctions were imposed?
- What technical means are used to monitor protected areas? Are technological tools such as satellite data, unmanned aircraft or other remote monitoring systems used for the early detection of interventions?
- What measures are taken to monitor areas such as Lara Beach, where the risk of violations is high during the summer?
- For how many Natura 2000 areas are management plans still pending?
- For which areas have Natura 2000 management plans been completed, and to what extent have the planned measures and actions been implemented, by area?
- Is there a mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and, if so, what were the results of the most recent evaluation for these areas?
- Are there Natura 2000 areas where the competent authorities have identified habitat degradation or a deterioration in the conservation status of protected species?
- If so, which areas are they, what are the causes of the degradation, and what corrective or restoration measures have been taken or are planned?
- What are the latest developments regarding the illegal construction of a temple at Cape Greco, and what measures has the Ministry taken to remove the illegality?
- Is there planning to strengthen monitoring and law enforcement mechanisms in Natura 2000 areas, whether through additional personnel or new technological tools and more systematic on-site inspections, and what is the relevant timeline?”
