Latchi port expansion plans have raised concerns over the potential impact of the proposed project on the wider marine ecosystem of Chrysochou Bay, one of Cyprus’ most environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
Marina capacity set to nearly double
The proposed project is presented as an upgrade of existing infrastructure. However, it would increase the number of leisure boats from 200 to 384, highlighting the scale of the planned development.
Chrysochou Bay is surrounded by Natura 2000 protected areas and is important for sea turtles, the Mediterranean monk seal, seabirds and marine habitats, including Posidonia seagrass meadows.
New monitoring data from the LIFE IP Pandoteira project also highlight the importance of the Akamas coastline and Chrysochou Bay for the European shag (Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii).
The species regularly uses the coastal zone for feeding and resting, while younger birds have also been recorded frequently around Latchi harbour.
Concerns over increased pressure on marine life
The additional boats expected under the Latchi port expansion could increase noise, lighting, marine pollution and human activity in areas used by wildlife for feeding, resting and reproduction.
The environmental assessment itself recognises that an increase in boat numbers would create additional pressures on fauna. It also identifies potential losses and degradation of Posidonia seagrass meadows, which play an important role in supporting marine ecosystems.
Existing coastal impacts
The area has already experienced significant interventions, including 14 breakwaters east of the harbour.
According to experts cited in the environmental concerns surrounding the project, the breakwaters have contributed to significant erosion on neighbouring beaches. A recent scientific study also recorded a decline in sea turtle nesting on the beach behind the breakwaters, from 3.6% to 0.9%.
The findings have prompted calls for the cumulative effects of existing and proposed interventions to be assessed across the wider bay rather than within the boundaries of the individual development.
Calls for stronger protection
The monitoring data are also relevant to Cyprus’ obligations to identify and protect important marine and coastal areas for seabirds.
The European Commission has raised the need for Cyprus to address gaps in protection through the designation of marine protected areas for seabirds.
Under the precautionary principle and Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive, projects affecting Natura 2000 sites require an assessment of their potential impact on protected habitats and species.
Those opposing the project argue that the Latchi port expansion should not proceed unless it can be established, beyond reasonable scientific doubt, that it will not adversely affect the protected features and conservation objectives of the relevant Natura 2000 areas, including the European shag.
Source: BirdLife Cyprus
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