Environmental groups demand answers after Peyia beer festival goes ahead near Natura 2000 site

Local Akamasenvironmentnatura 2000PaphosTop Newsturtles Environmental groups demand answers after Peyia beer festival goes ahead near Natura 2000 site Festival Opol Peyia Relevant News Environmental groups demand answers after Peyia beer festival goes ahead near Natura 2000 site 23 July 2026 A collective effort to prevent wildfires 23 July 2026 It’s a disgrace to those in charge, and to the country 23 July 2026 Newsroom 23 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus’s Federation of Environmental Organisations is calling on the Department of Environment to provide full public information without further delay, after the three-day “Beerateia Beer Festival” went ahead at Agios Georgios Square in Peyia despite earlier environmental objections. The Federation, together with BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria, said in a joint statement on July 14, 2026 that they had sought clarification from the Department of Environment on the procedures followed in organising the festival and on any environmental assessment carried out. The organisations said the site lies close to two Natura 2000 network areas, the Akamas Peninsula Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. In their statement, the organisations asked whether the Department of Environment had known about the event in advance, whether Akamas Municipality had submitted a request for an environmental assessment, and whether any environmental approval had been issued for the festival. The organisations said events involving loud music, intense lighting, traffic congestion and large crowds can disturb sensitive species and their habitats, and said the site’s proximity to protected areas made early and substantive assessment of potential impacts necessary before any such event, rather than after the fact. They pointed to a similar festival held at the same venue last year without what they described as adequate or timely environmental assessment, adding that this had not served as a lesson to avoid repeating the issue. The organisations said such events, particularly during the sea turtle nesting season, should be assessed in good time and in line with existing legislation, and that organisation, advertising and staging of festivals should only proceed once the required approvals are secured. The Federation said environmental legislation must be applied in all cases, including where local authorities organise such events, and described compliance with the law as essential to protecting Natura 2000 areas and the species they were designated to protect. The organisations also raised concern over the prospect of the square becoming host to recurring summer festivals, saying this could systematically and cumulatively increase pressure on protected areas, habitats and species. Despite the festival going ahead, the Federation said the questions it raised remain unanswered, including whether the Department of Environment knew of the event, whether an environmental assessment was requested, whether an approval was issued, what conditions were attached, and how compliance with those conditions was monitored. The Federation reiterated its call for the Department of Environment to provide full public information without further delay, saying protection of the Akamas Peninsula and Natura 2000 areas cannot rely on clarifications provided after the fact. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News A collective effort to prevent wildfires It’s a disgrace to those in charge, and to the country Tourists raft on foggy Naerin Stream in South Korea New blaze near Skarinou: “Particularly dangerous day,” fire chief warns What a trial we’re living through: electric shock, non-stop Digital TV switch: viewers urged to retune before October 10 deadline Two arrested over livestreamed footage in case involving child with disability Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.