Posted on November 11, 2024
Landowners continue to destroy the last remaining sand dune ecosystem in Limassol Bay, within the administrative boundaries of Pyrgos community, despite calls for immediate work stoppage and site restoration.
On Saturday morning, an excavator and truck returned to the site to carry out unauthorised work for tourist beach development. The day’s operations included the removal of vegetation and acacia trees, while eucalyptus trees were cut and pruned, as documented in video footage.
This marks the second instance within two weeks of earthworks being conducted on a non-working day when authorities cannot conduct inspections without formal complaints from local residents and beach users. The work included beach levelling, vegetation removal, and excavation works.
Following a complaint to Environment Department Director Lakis Mesimeris, a department official from Limassol was dispatched for immediate inspection. Upon arrival, the machinery had departed, though evidence of recent work was found, including on state land.
Saturday’s operations took place at the southern end of the private plot adjacent to state land, which falls within the Beach Protection Zone and Da3 Planning Protection Zone. Officials noted that removal of eucalyptus branches exceeding 15 centimetres in diameter requires Forestry Department permission.
The case is under investigation by all relevant authorities, with the Limassol District Administration, District Local Government Organisation (LDLGO), and Forestry Department to be notified.
Last week, sand dunes were uprooted by an excavator, prompting Environment Department intervention following a complaint by Terra Cypria environmental NGO on 28/10/2024. The department confirmed the violation and wrote to Limassol authorities demanding immediate work stoppage and site restoration.
The affected area comprises a small stretch of state land, approximately 500-600 metres long and 100 metres wide, representing the last remaining sand dune ecosystem in the Limassol district under Republic of Cyprus control, within a 25-kilometre coastal stretch from Governor’s Beach to Lady’s Mile.
In 2021, five significant protected dune habitat types were identified in this small coastal area, listed under EU Habitats Directive Annex I. Additionally, 59 wild flora species were recorded, including sand-loving species listed in Cyprus’s Red Book of Flora.
