The staging of open-air events in one of Cyprus’ most ecologically sensitive areas has ignited a dispute between the Akamas Municipality, environmental authorities, and NGOs, raising pressing questions about law enforcement in Natura 2000 zones.

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The controversy erupted after a concert took place on 23 August near Agios Georgios Peyia, with a stage, lighting, and sound equipment set up within the Akamas Peninsula Natura 2000 network, adjacent to Toxeutra beach—a strictly protected nesting site for the endangered green turtle.

Despite warnings from the Environment Department, the Fisheries Department, and NGOs such as Terra Cypria, the event proceeded without the mandatory ecological assessment and official permits.

Environmental authorities stressed that artificial lighting and loud noise could disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings. Although inspections later confirmed no immediate damage to turtle nests that night, officials insisted this “cannot be treated as a precedent.” They demanded the removal of the stage and the cancellation of upcoming events, including the traditional Carob Festival scheduled for 29 August.

Akamas Mayor Marinos Lambrou defended the municipality’s decision, claiming the event had sound permits and caused no disturbance. He dismissed as “illogical” the argument that temporary lighting could threaten turtle nesting, pointing out that similar festivals had been held in the area for years without reported incidents.

Following mounting pressure, a high-level meeting was held in Paphos between the Environment Department, the Paphos District Local Government Organization, the Forestry and Fisheries departments, and the municipality. After tense negotiations, the stage was dismantled. Mayor Lambrou pledged to relocate future cultural events outside protected zones.

Environment Department head Theodoulos Mesimeris welcomed the compromise, emphasizing that “strict procedures must be followed” in Natura 2000 areas and promising guidance to municipalities to prevent future violations.

Despite the removal of the stage, Terra Cypria issued a strong denunciation, highlighting broader and long-standing illegalities in Akamas, including unauthorized construction, road openings, and parking lot expansions near Natura sites.

The NGO accused local authorities of failing to enforce environmental law, warned of grave risks to turtles and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, and demanded tougher penalties for what it described as “systematic abuses.”

Terra Cypria also documented excessive light and noise pollution during the August event, stressing that the absence of visible damage that night was “a matter of luck, not safety.” The organization called for an immediate ban on open-air festivals with sound and lighting equipment in Natura areas, along with stronger enforcement measures.

The Environment Department has confirmed it will submit a full report to the Legal Service for possible legal action against the Akamas Municipality. “We clearly indicated in writing that the event should not have taken place,” Mesimeris told state radio, underlining that municipalities are obliged to uphold environmental law.

Meanwhile, Paphos Local Government Organization head Charalambos Pittokopitis downplayed the incident as a mere “procedural irregularity” and accused critics of exaggerating. In response, Terra Cypria director Koulla Michael argued that such remarks amount to “covering up illegality.” She reaffirmed that turtles were indeed affected by lighting, citing scientific evidence, and confirmed that the NGO’s lawyer is pursuing the case.