On October 21, we conducted a field visit in Akrotiri Wetland, where we observed that the water level in Makria Lake was unusually high for the season, due to the lack of rainfall, as well as the discharge of liquid waste, foul odour and signs of eutrophication throughout the Akrotiri Wetland System, from the Asomatos Channel to the Limassol Salt Lake. The discharge of sewage and water pollution potentially can cause severe environmental damage, and consequently immediate restoration is necessary.
In this framework, Terra Cypria – The Cyprus Conservation Foundation calls for the immediate implementation of the following measures:
- Immediate investigation by the competent authorities (including the Environmental Departments of the Republic of Cyprus and the British Sovereign Base Areas, the Water Development Department, the Forest Department, the Limassol District Officer and the Akrotiri British Sovereign Base Area District Officer, the Limassol-Amathus Sewerage Board, the Limassol District Local Government Organization, as well as the Health Services of the Republic of Cyprus, the British Sovereign Base Areas, Limassol Municipality and Kourion Municipality) to assess potential environmental damage due to the discharge of liquid waste/sewage into the Akrotiri Wetland.
- Field monitoring, environmental inspections and the publication of water quality test results conducted at specific locations, where the present levels of water are unusually high for the season in Akrotiri Wetland. We also request that the relevant information, regarding the legality of discharges into inflow channels and rainfall drainage system and sewage management pipes in the broader area of Akrotiri Wetland, is publicly available by the British Sovereign Base Areas Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus.
- Immediate information is publicly available by the Limassol-Amathus Sewerage Board and the Limassol District Local Government Organisation regarding any licensed or unlicensed discharge of liquid waste/sewage into the Akrotiri Wetland.
- Immediate implementation of the fundamental principle of Environmental Liability and the necessary preventive and restoration measures for any environmental damage caused to the Akrotiri Wetland, due to any licensed or unlicensed discharge of liquid waste/sewage.