The Department of Environment has identified and initiated all necessary actions regarding illegal interventions in a residence near Oroklini Lake, a protected area within the Natura 2000 network, according to an official announcement yesterday.

In early September 2024, the Department of Environment, in collaboration with the Game and Fauna Service of the Ministry of Interior, conducted an on-site inspection of the northern section of the protected area, which falls within the boundaries of Larnaca Municipality. The inspection was prompted by reports of illegal activities.

To address the issue promptly, the Department of Environment utilized available legislative tools and formally notified the Larnaca District Administration, the Municipality of Larnaca, and the Larnaca Local Town Planning Authority, urging them to enforce the relevant legal provisions to halt the illegal activities.

Following a second inspection in November, during which it was found that the violations had not been rectified, the Department filed a complaint with the Police under the Nature and Wildlife Protection and Management Laws (2003-2015). Additionally, the Game and Fauna Service issued an administrative fine for the illegal interventions.

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Natura 2000 areas and announced a series of enhanced measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, including:

• Strengthening environmental monitoring by increasing staff in the coming weeks.

• Toughening legislation to impose higher fines and administrative penalties for violations.

• Introducing mandatory environmental inspectors for projects impacting Natura 2000 areas during construction and operation phases.