BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria are closely following developments around the proposed installation of new antennas in the Akrotiri area, and say they share the concerns raised by local communities about the potential impact of the project on the natural environment, the two organisations said in a joint statement.
Akrotiri is one of the most important areas for biodiversity in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Akrotiri Salt Lake is a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation under the Natura 2000 network, and is also one of the most significant migratory corridors for birds in the Eastern Mediterranean.
More than two decades of recorded impact
For more than two decades, scientific research in the area has documented cases of bird mortality and collision risk linked to existing antenna infrastructure. The two organisations said this data provides an important scientific basis showing that the area is already under significant pressure from existing installations.
BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria said public debate on the issue is legitimate and should be conducted with transparency. Both organisations are taking part in the consultation process and in the evaluation of the Special Ecological Assessment for the project, submitting questions and requesting all necessary clarifications and supplementary information to ensure the assessment is complete, adequate, scientifically documented and compliant with national and European environmental legislation.
Given the area's exceptionally high ecological value and the already documented negative effects of existing antennas, the organisations said any new development must be assessed with particular care and in line with the precautionary principle. They said the assessment must examine not only the impact of the new project in isolation, but also its cumulative effects in combination with existing and future planned installations.
BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria said they will continue to take an active part in the consultation and assessment process, guided by scientific evidence, transparency, and the effective protection of the area's species, habitats and shared natural heritage.
For more information: Melpo Apostolidou, Director, BirdLife Cyprus, 99882353, melpo.apostolidou@birdlifecyprus.org.cy; Koulla Michael, Director, Terra Cypria, 99543894, director@terracypria.org
