In Akamas, in the area of the Natura 2000 network, new illegal refreshment stands have been set up, the non-governmental organization Terra Cypria announced on Friday.

“We have reported the violations in detail and now it is up to the authorities to respond and initiate the next steps at the ministry level,” Managing Director Kyriaki Michael told the Cyprus Mail.

The two illegal kiosks are located in a Special Nature Reserve (SAC), which is strictly protected under the EU Habitats Regulation, and a Special Protection Area (SPA), which is dedicated to the conservation of birds.

The temporary venues were set up in Platanos, near the Avakas Gorge, and in the Alimma area near Aspros Potamos. The premises were built and operated without a permit, Terra Cypris reported.

One of these is located near a known breeding area of the short-toed eagle ( Circaetus gallicus ) and the extremely rare golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos ); both species are native to the Akamas Peninsula.

These birds of prey do not tolerate any disturbance during their breeding season and the kiosks increase the risk of the birds abandoning their nests.

To prevent this, a protective radius of one to two kilometers around their nests is necessary, explained the environmental NGO.

The second kiosk was installed in the Lara-Toxeftra Marine Protected Area (MPA), the main nesting site of the green sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) and the loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ).

Their nesting beaches are protected by Cypriot legislation, EU directives and international conventions, and building on such beaches is therefore strictly prohibited.

According to the regulations, even temporary objects and structures are prohibited, including parasols, caravans, loungers and tents.

Terra Cypria called on the Ministers of the Interior and Agriculture to take immediate action to close the kiosks and restore legality to protect the environment.

The NGO stated that, under environmental legislation, it must be informed within one month of any action to be taken.

Cyprus Mail has contacted the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of the Interior and is awaiting a response.

Image: Philenews

Source: CyprusMail.com

Author: Iole Damaskinos