The Ecologists Movement has called for an urgent investigation into possible pollution at Larnaca Salt Lake after signs of severe eutrophication were recorded at part of the protected wetland.
The movement said the recent findings by Terra Cypria, which identified a build-up of algae known as “mallas”, raised concerns about increased nutrient levels in the water and required a comprehensive investigation by the competent authorities.
It warned that the latest incident should not be viewed in isolation, pointing to complaints about possible pollution sources in the wider area dating back several years.
Previous complaints about possible pollution
The Ecologists Movement said its Larnaca district organisation had repeatedly raised concerns about activities that could be affecting the protected wetland.
In 2020, it publicised complaints about wastewater overflowing from livestock farms in Dromolaxia and flowing into nearby ditches and agricultural land.
In 2023, the movement raised another case involving a large flow of wastewater from the Aradippou Free Trade Zone. According to the group, the wastewater travelled for several kilometres before reaching the outskirts of the salt lake, near Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
The movement said it had informed the Department of Environment in writing and submitted photographs and videos documenting the incident.
It also cited previous complaints about the uncontrolled disposal of liquid livestock waste, wastewater pipes discharging into streams and illegal waste dumping sites near the salt lake.
According to the movement, these issues have not been addressed systematically.
Calls for comprehensive investigation
The movement said isolated inspections after problems emerge are not enough and called for a comprehensive investigation into all potential sources of pollution across the salt lake’s drainage basin.
It urged the Department of Environment, the Water Development Department, the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation and other relevant authorities to carry out water sampling and chemical analyses and publish the results.
It also called on the authorities to clarify:
- What caused the eutrophication recorded at the salt lake.
- Whether wastewater or other organic pollutants are entering the wetland and, if so, where they originate.
- When the last systematic inspections of streams and activities around the wetland took place.
- What action has been taken following previous complaints.
- How authorities ensure that livestock, industrial or domestic waste does not enter the protected area.
Protected wetland of international importance
Larnaca Salt Lake is part of the Natura 2000 network and is designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It provides an important habitat for waterbirds and supports local biodiversity.
The Ecologists Movement said the authorities must identify pollution sources, enforce environmental legislation and prevent further incidents rather than simply acknowledge the problem.
“The protection of Larnaca Salt Lake cannot remain on paper,” the movement said.
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