Illegal Snack and Drink Stalls Discovered in Akamas Protected Area

Illegal kiosks selling snacks and drinks have been found in the Natura 2000 network on the Akamas Peninsula. These kiosks are located in Platanos, near the Avakas Gorge, and in the Alimma area, close to Aspros Potamos.

According to the NGO Terra Cypria, the kiosks are positioned within both a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), breaching both EU and Cypriot environmental laws. One of the kiosks is situated near the nesting grounds of rare raptors, including the short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), both of which are highly sensitive to disturbances.

Another kiosk has been set up in the protected marine area of Lara-Toxeftra, a critical nesting site for sea turtles, including Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas.

The Natura 2000 zone prohibits any temporary structures, ranging from kiosks to umbrellas and sunbeds.

Terra Cypria has urged authorities to immediately remove the illegal structures to protect the area's unique natural environment.