Pentakomo harbour threatens seals, say environmentalists

Environmental organisations have called for the immediate termination of works on the Pentakomo harbour, which are threatening the Mediterranean monk seal and the surrounding environment.

BirdLife Cyprus and Friends of the Earth Cyprus have urged the government to intervene, warning of irreversible damage and indicating their intention to take legal action if necessary.

“We regret to report recent developments at Pentakomo, where, despite clear recommendations from the audit office in its April 2024 report, as well as concerns from environmental experts and organisations, construction has begun in a coastal area critical for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus),” BirdLife said in a press release.

The area has been fenced off, and excavators have already begun levelling the beach, the organisation reported.

“These actions cause irreversible environmental damage to one of the most important habitats of the strictly protected Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus, violating – in our opinion – both national and European legislation,” it said.

It added that, “apart from the ecological damage, a natural bay of unparalleled beauty and a unique coastal line with limestone white rocks, characterising the area, are being destroyed.”

Environmental approval for the Pentakomo harbour project was granted in June 2023, despite objections from environmental organisations, local communities and warnings from the auditor-general. In October 2024, MPs raised concerns and called for a review of the project, citing environmental, legal and administrative issues.

“However, works began this month without the necessary ecological assessment, which should have included a detailed study of the consequences on the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal, inter alia,” BirdLife said.

The location, near the proposed Natura 2000 area, is a recognised habitat for the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. BirdLife stressed that “any intervention in this area jeopardises the survival of this sensitive species.”

In September 2023, BirdLife Cyprus and Friends of the Earth Cyprus filed an application to cancel the Environment Department’s decision not to oppose the project. The request is still pending.

“We call on the state to immediately terminate the works in the area before its is irreversibly destroyed and to examine alternatives for the port, in line with the Audit Office’s recommendations for the alternative landscaping of the area,” the press release said.

It added that “Cyprus, as a member of the EU, has clear obligations to protect biodiversity and safeguard the survival of strictly protected species.”

“The Mediterranean monk seal is a symbol of the natural heritage of Cyprus. It is our duty to make sure that the coastal area of Pentakomo will remain a shelter for this species, today and in the future,” the press release said.