biodiversity protection — biodiversity protection — The protection of biodiversity must be prioritised by the new parliament, BirdLife has emphasised, as the organisation raised concerns about significant failures in nature protection across Cyprus.
In a statement made on Tuesday, BirdLife cautioned that incoming MPs are stepping into a critical period for environmental governance. They urged the parliament to exercise rigorous oversight, ensuring transparency and accountability in all environmental decisions.
Biodiversity protection: Call for Resource Allocation and Legislative Compliance
BirdLife insists that the new parliament must guarantee adequate resources for the effective management of protected areas. They highlighted the need for stringent implementation and adherence to environmental laws, warning against any attempts to weaken such legislation.
Akamas: A Case Study of Environmental Neglect
The organisation pointed to the Akamas region as a notable example where environmental legislation has been inadequately enforced. BirdLife noted that despite numerous violations occurring in the area, no punitive actions have been taken, and the government’s commitments are yet to be fulfilled.
“The new parliament must demand full compliance with the legally binding environmental terms of the Akamas Special Area of Conservation and accountability for the violations that have already been recorded,” BirdLife stated.
Urgent Action Required at Akrotiri Salt Lake
BirdLife also highlighted alarming instances of environmental degradation at the Akrotiri salt lake. The group urged parliament members to initiate an immediate investigation into these incidents. They called for the restoration of the natural hydrological status of the wetland and effective measures to protect the area from further harm.
Combating Illegal Bird Trapping
In addition to habitat protection, BirdLife urged the parliament to enforce laws against illegal bird trapping. They reported that in autumn 2025 alone, approximately 726,000 birds were unlawfully captured and killed. BirdLife called for the reinstatement of hefty fines for the use of limesticks and the illegal hunting of migratory birds, as well as a crackdown on organised trapping networks.
Commitment to Environmental Priorities
The organisation appealed for the new MPs to prioritise areas of environmental concern, warning against further erosion of existing legislation. BirdLife concluded that the performance of the new parliament will be measured by its commitment to safeguarding Cyprus’s natural heritage and ensuring that environmental laws are enforced effectively.
