A third unauthorized refreshment stall has emerged in the environmentally protected Akamas Peninsula, intensifying public outrage and drawing harsh criticism from environmental groups over the persistent failure of authorities to enforce environmental laws.

According to Charalambos Pittokopitis, President of the Paphos Government District Organization, actions are being taken to remove one of the illegal structures. At the same time, efforts are underway to legalize another in coordination with the Akamas Municipality. One stall, located near the Asprokremos River, had already been issued a removal deadline, which expired last Wednesday—yet no enforcement measures have followed. Responsibility lies with both ETAP Paphos and the Paphos District Administration, as the location falls within a designated Beach Protection Zone.

Another makeshift operation near Avakas Gorge is described by Pittokopitis as a temporary tent set up by a local farmer to sell produce. He argues it is not a permanent structure and says discussions are ongoing to explore a legal path for its continued operation.

All three stalls are situated on private land owned by the Paphos Bishopric, but lie within highly sensitive conservation zones, including the Natura 2000 network's Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area of the Akamas Peninsula. These areas are also adjacent to the Lara-Toxeftra Marine Protected Area, further intensifying the environmental stakes.

The Department of Environment confirmed that it had detected the unauthorized structures early and issued formal letters to EOA Paphos and the Akamas Municipality, demanding their immediate removal. Although the department lacks the legal authority to dismantle the buildings itself, it warned that continued delays reflect institutional tolerance of illegal activities and enable profit-making at the expense of environmental protection.

Environmental organizations say patience has worn thin. Following an on-site inspection, Terra Cypria issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as a breakdown in governance in Akamas. The organization noted that the number of illegal stalls has now reached three, and blamed the failure squarely on "absent and ineffective authorities."

“Akamas has become a hostage to lawlessness,” the group declared in a public post, stressing that the protected peninsula is being destroyed day by day. Terra Cypria accused all responsible governmental bodies of neglecting their duties and collectively contributing to the degradation of one of Cyprus’s most ecologically significant regions.