Peyia, Cyprus. Three environmental organisations have requested immediate clarification from the environment department over the planned Beerateia Beer Festival near protected areas of the Akamas peninsula.
BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria and the environmental organisations’ federation, Opok, said they sent a joint letter seeking information on whether authorities were aware of the event, scheduled from Friday to Sunday at Ayios Georgios square in Peyia.
Request for environmental information
The organisations asked whether Akamas municipality had submitted a request for an environmental assessment and whether environmental approval had been granted for the three-day festival.
They said the venue is near two Natura 2000 protected areas and the Akamas peninsula special area of conservation, making a prior assessment of possible environmental effects necessary.
Concerns over disturbance
The groups said festivals involving loud music, intense lighting, traffic congestion and large numbers of visitors could significantly disturb protected species and their habitats.
They said the site’s proximity to environmentally sensitive areas requires a prompt and substantial assessment of potential impacts before an event takes place, rather than afterwards or shortly before it begins.
Reference to previous event
The organisations referred to a similar festival held at the same location last year, when environmental groups raised concerns about compliance with environmental legislation and the adequacy of the assessment process.
They said events held during the turtle nesting period require particular scrutiny, especially where increased lighting, noise and visitor activity occur near protected habitats.
The groups said organisation, advertising and implementation should proceed only after the required approvals have been secured, adding that environmental legislation must be applied in all cases without exception.