Terra Cypria has raised concerns over what it describes as an unchecked situation and lack of effective management and enforcement at Lady’s Mile beach, warning that private interests are being prioritised at the expense of the coastal ecosystem and sea turtles.
In an official intervention accompanied by audiovisual material, the organisation calls on the British Bases Administration to act immediately to protect the area. Despite the beach falling within the Sovereign Base Areas and being legally protected, Terra Cypria says the current situation reflects “institutional indifference, tolerance and neglect.”
The organisation highlights the beach’s importance as a nesting habitat for loggerhead and green turtles and outlines a number of violations affecting reproduction:
- Light and noise pollution from restaurants and night-time events on the beach
- Bulky beach equipment left overnight instead of being removed after sunset
- Activities taking place without required environmental permits
- Damage to sand dunes due to vehicle movement and parking, as well as the presence of dogs threatening nests
According to Terra Cypria, the absence of daily monitoring and enforcement has created conditions that undermine the protected area. It describes the lack of implementation of environmental legislation as “deafening.”
The organisation also notes that of the six restaurants in the area, only two operate on private or church-owned land, while the remaining four are located on state coastal forest land. While some operators comply with regulations, others are said to be in repeated violation.
Executive Director Koulla Michael described the situation as “a disgrace for any competent authority that is aware and fails to act”, stressing that protected species, including sea turtles, should not bear the cost of inaction or commercial pressure.
Terra Cypria is calling for systematic inspections, strict and deterrent penalties, and the full restoration of legality in the area, urging authorities to demonstrate environmental responsibility in practice.
Source: CNA
