Cyprus May Ban Construction Within 100 Meters of the Coast

Cyprus’ Environment Commissioner, Antonia Theodosiou, has called for a ban on construction within 100 meters of the coastline.

Speaking at a conference organized by the Department of Environmental Protection, the commissioner stated that such a law would align Cyprus' legislation with the requirements of the Barcelona Convention on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean region.

The convention specifies a "coastal zone width of no less than 100 meters from the highest winter waterline, where construction is not permitted."

Currently, Cyprus' legislation designates a smaller coastal zone, stating that "the beach includes areas no more than 100 yards (91.44 meters) from the high-tide line, where construction is prohibited unless it serves the public interest and is approved by the Council of Ministers."

According to Theodosiou, the current law is too lenient, as "in recent years, extensive construction near the coast has led to the degradation of both coastal ecosystems and urban landscapes."

The commissioner noted that a study is currently being conducted to assess the environmental sensitivity of Cyprus' coastline to determine the exact extent of the coastal zone that requires legal protection. It is expected that this distance will exceed the 100 meters mandated by the Barcelona Convention.

The primary goal of the study is to continue ongoing inspections and "strengthen the legal framework for the protection of Cyprus' coastal zones."