On October 24, Cyprus hosted a conference led by the Department of Environmental Protection, where chief commissioner Antonia Theodosiou advocated for a ban on construction within 100 meters of the island’s coastline.
Theodosiou emphasized that coastal construction projects disrupt local ecosystems and degrade natural landscapes. She pointed out that climate change has worsened these impacts, contributing to rising sea levels and increased soil erosion along Cyprus’ coasts.
“Recent years have seen extensive construction near the coastline, harming both the natural environment and our treasured landscapes,” Theodosiou remarked. To address this, she urged the need for legislative measures that would align Cyprus with the Barcelona Convention, which advocates for Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean.
Notably, while the Barcelona Convention stipulates a 100-meter construction-free zone from the shoreline, current Cypriot law permits construction within 91.44 meters of the high tide line, as long as projects are deemed to serve the public interest and receive cabinet approval.
Theodosiou also revealed that a dedicated team is conducting a study on the environmental sensitivity of Cyprus’ coastline. This research aims to identify areas requiring protection, potentially designating larger zones than the 100 meters proposed under the Barcelona Convention. She concluded by stressing the importance of enforcing relevant laws and conducting regular inspections to curb illegal construction and safeguard the coastal ecosystem.
Source: philenews.com,