Terra Cypria: Pollution Threatens the Ecosystem of Akrotiri Wetlands

The environmental organization Terra Cypria has warned about the rapid deterioration of the Akrotiri Wetlands, negatively affected by sewage and pollution.

According to the organization, during an inspection on Tuesday, streams of questionable-quality water, a strong odor, mud, and other signs of pollution were observed.
The organization's ecologist also found signs of eutrophication — an excessive enrichment of the waterbody with nutrients, causing excessive growth of algae and plants. This indicates the entry of sewage into the natural area.

The report notes that the pollution is likely related to infrastructure projects and construction in adjacent areas. Terra Cypria called on the British bases administration to conduct an investigation and assess the extent of the environmental damage.

The organization reminded that it had already submitted complaints and evidence of pollution to the Department of Environmental Protection in October 2024 and November last year.
“The situation was critical already last year… It is shameful how we treat — or rather, fail to treat — the island’s most important wetland,” the statement said.

Terra Cypria emphasized that land-use changes, excessive development, drainage works, and water pollution have significantly altered the region's natural hydrological balance and threaten the ecosystem's resilience.

The organization reminded that the Akrotiri Wetlands are the largest water body in Cyprus and serve as habitat for rare animal species and a stopover for migratory birds.