Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus are closely monitoring developments concerning the proposed installation of new antennas in the Akrotiri area and share the concerns expressed by local communities regarding the potential impacts of the proposed project on the natural environment.
Akrotiri is one of the most important biodiversity areas in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Akrotiri Salt Lake is a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with an equivalent protection status with protected areas included in the Natura 2000 network, while also serving as one of the most important flyways for birds in the Eastern Mediterranean.
For more than two decades, scientific research in the area has documented incidents of bird mortality and collision risks associated with the existing antenna infrastructure. These data provide an important scientific basis and demonstrate that the area is already under significant pressure from existing installations.
We consider it important to emphasise that public discussion is legitimate and should be conducted with transparency. The two organisations are participating in the consultation and examination process of the Appropriate Assessment Study, submitting questions and requesting all necessary clarifications and additional information to ensure that the assessment is comprehensive, adequate, scientifically sound and consistent with the requirements of national and European environmental legislation.
Given the area’s exceptionally high ecological value, as well as the already documented negative impacts associated with existing antennas, we believe that any new development must be assessed with particular care and in accordance with the precautionary principle. The assessment should examine and consider not only the impacts of the new project individually, but also its overall and cumulative impacts in relation to both existing and future planned installations.
BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria will continue to participate meaningfully in the consultation and assessment process, guided by scientific evidence, transparency, and the need to ensure the effective protection of the species and habitats of the area, as well as our common natural heritage.