Damage to Sand Dunes in Limassol Due to Illegal Construction

The Department of Environment Protection of the Republic of Cyprus has confirmed that the sand dunes at Pyrgos Beach in Limassol have been damaged as a result of unauthorized construction activities. The construction must be halted immediately, and the beach is being proposed for designation as a national forest.

According to the department, the use of heavy-duty vehicles for the construction work has caused "significant damage to the sand dunes in this area."

After environmental organizations reported the illegal and unauthorized intervention, two separate inspections were carried out at the site.

The Department of Environment Protection and the Forestry Department stated that the area is within a protected zone and contains valuable sand dune ecosystems. There is a proposal to declare the beach a national forest, with only a few days remaining for the decision to be finalized.

The department’s statement also noted that local authorities have already been informed about the ongoing construction, which must be stopped immediately. Additionally, a restoration plan to return the area to its original state must be submitted.

The department further emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further illegal activity and to restore the beach's ecosystem.

It was also clarified that the flora in this area does not fall under the forestry law, so no violations of forest legislation have occurred.