Mazotos, Cyprus. Mazotos community council called on Thursday for the immediate suspension of the installation of a desalination plant in the area, warning it threatens protected marine habitats and breaches environmental safeguards.
Protected habitat concerns
In a statement, the council said a scientific study confirms the presence of priority habitats protected under the European habitats’ directive, including Posidonia oceanica (Neptune’s Grass) meadows and coral reefs.
“The siting of desalination plants in the immediate vicinity of such habitats poses a serious risk of irreversible degradation,” it said.
Calls for compliance and further assessment
The council said that, under current conditions, Mazotos is unsuitable for desalination infrastructure and urged authorities to comply fully with national and European legislation.
“We recognise the water problem, one of the most serious facing our country, however hasty and arbitrary decisions are unacceptable,” it said, calling for “documented study, transparency and social consensus”.
Letters sent to officials and institutions
The council said it has sent letters outlining its objections to the president, the interior and agricultural ministers, parliamentary parties, the Larnaca district government organisation (EOA) and the district governor.
Demands and planned protest
The council is demanding a complete and independent environmental impact study, a documented assessment of alternative solutions and locations, and clarity on whether due procedures have been followed.
A protest over the issue is planned for Saturday at 10am near the petrol station in Mazotos.
Drought context
The dispute comes amid an escalating drought crisis.
The water development department said on Wednesday that the 2024 to 2025 hydrological year recorded rainfall at around 65 per cent of the long-term average, ranking among the eight driest years since 1901, with 2026 forecast to bring heightened water risk without substantial rainfall.
What steps do you think authorities should take to balance water needs with protection of marine habitats?
