The issue of understaffing at the Department of Antiquities, as well as the need to fill gaps in the guarding of archaeological sites and monuments, has been raised by the Association of Cypriot Archaeologists (ACA), following a recent incident involving visitors who climbed onto the ancient sanctuary of Apollo Hylates in Kourion.

The ACA stresses the need to strengthen the staffing of the Department of Antiquities with scientific personnel, such as archaeologists, conservators, architects, and civil engineers, as well as technical staff, including skilled labourers, builders, and technicians, in order for the Department to effectively carry out its responsibilities.

In this context, the Association refers to statements made by the Director of the Department of Antiquities, Giorgos Georgiou, to the media, noting that it has become known that “the state is proceeding with the abolition of a significant number of positions, which are necessary to prevent the weakening and eventual depletion of the Department of Antiquities.” It adds that statements by the President of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), Konstantinos Konstantis, point in the same direction.

The ACA further notes that since April 2025, it has submitted in writing to the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Department of Antiquities its views and recommendations regarding the updating and restructuring of the Service Scheme for Archaeological Officers, within the framework of creating a new organisational structure. In addition, it has raised the need for the adoption of a unified framework for employment contracts for self-employed archaeologists involved in development projects.

The Association adds that Cyprus possesses a strong scientific workforce in the field of archaeology, which is often forced to seek employment abroad or turn to other professions. It points out, however, that no response has been received from the Deputy Ministry regarding the proposals and concerns it has submitted.

Regarding the conditions under which archaeological sites are guarded, the ACA notes that “the absence of a closed-circuit surveillance system, combined with the presence of only a single site guard at one of the largest archaeological sites on the island, underscores the urgent need for immediate measures to prevent similar or even more serious incidents.”

The Association also calls on the Republic of Cyprus to take responsibility and actively support efforts to strengthen the Department of Antiquities in the proper protection and promotion of Cyprus’s cultural heritage.

Finally, the ACA “calls on the President of the Republic of Cyprus to prioritise the rescue and preservation of cultural heritage on his political agenda, as it belongs to all of us and constitutes a fundamental aspect of our identity and the history of this country,” while also urging him to “prevent the downsizing of the Department of Antiquities’ human resources and ensure its adequate and sufficient staffing.”