The Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus (FEO-Cyprus) is calling for a full environmental assessment of plans to install new antennas in the Merra area of Akrotiri before any final decision is taken.
In a memorandum submitted to the Parliamentary Environment Committee, FEO-Cyprus said all necessary studies should be carried out, the required environmental and ecological assessment procedures completed, and all necessary approvals and permits secured.
The federation said the assessment should not be limited to the antennas themselves but should cover the entire project and its supporting infrastructure. It also called for transparency, access to the relevant studies and meaningful public consultation involving residents, local authorities and environmental organisations.
Concerns over cumulative environmental impacts
FEO-Cyprus said the Akrotiri Peninsula is an area of particular ecological importance that is already under pressure from military installations and exercises, telecommunications systems, infrastructure expansion and large-scale developments in the wider area.
The proposed installations should therefore be assessed alongside existing and planned activities to identify their cumulative environmental impacts.
These could include habitat loss and degradation, habitat fragmentation and the potential displacement of wildlife species.
Risks to birds highlighted
The federation raised particular concerns about potential risks to birds, noting that Akrotiri is an important breeding, wintering and resting area during migration periods.
It said telecommunications installations and electricity pylons could create collision risks and called for the issue to be specifically assessed for the proposed project, taking sufficient account of seasonal migration patterns.
The assessment should also examine potential loss or degradation of areas used by birds, as well as disturbance during both construction and operation.
Wetlands and water flows
FEO-Cyprus also stressed the need to protect wetlands and preserve the peninsula’s hydrological conditions.
Changes in land use, impermeable surfaces and interventions affecting natural drainage could affect the functioning of the wider wetland system, it said.
The environmental assessment in Akrotiri should therefore cover excavations, foundations, road access and all other supporting infrastructure.
The federation said the impact on surface and groundwater, natural water flows and wetland habitats should also be examined.
Coastal habitats also under scrutiny
Similar attention was requested for the coastal zone of Merra, particularly regarding erosion and the protection of coastal and dune habitats.
FEO-Cyprus said the protection of Akrotiri should be approached as a whole, covering the entire wetland system and its drainage basin.
This should include areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus that affect wetlands located within the British Bases.
Call for transparency and consultation
The federation also stressed the need to inform residents and local authorities at an early stage and provide them with access to the relevant studies and information.
Views and concerns submitted during public consultation should be considered and receive documented responses before any decision is finalised, it said.
FEO-Cyprus called on the competent authorities and the British Bases Administration to work together to ensure that all required procedures are followed without creating faits accomplis.
It said the protection of the Akrotiri Peninsula and the provision of a healthy and safe environment for residents should remain the key criteria in the process.
Also read: Ecologists call for halt to 68 new surveillance antennas in Akrotiri
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