Cyprus Forestry Department warns of fines for wild camping

The Forestry Department has issued a warning about the risks of unregulated recreation in nature. The authority urged citizens to use only specially equipped campsites. Unauthorized stays in areas of special environmental importance, such as Akamas National Forest Park, lead to pollution from waste, degradation of the natural environment and disturbance of wildlife.

Particular attention has been paid to the fire risk: lighting fires is strictly prohibited everywhere except in specially designated areas in official recreation zones. Violators of the Forest Protection Law face severe penalties. The Forestry Department, together with the police, the Paphos administration, the Akamas municipality and the Game and Fauna Service, will continue regular patrols to identify and stop violations.