larnaca breakwater — larnaca breakwater — The plans for a breakwater construction along the coastal front from Kiti Cape to Larnaca airport area have been halted due to fears of irreversible ecological damage. The Cyprus Department of Environment issued a negative opinion on 14 January 2025, prompting the Public Works Department to reassess the project.
- As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding solutions that balance human activity with the preservation of critical marine ecosystems.
Larnaca breakwater: Concerns Over Marine Ecosystems
The Department’s decision emphasises the need for alternative solutions that address severe erosion without harming significant species and habitats. Deputy Director Elena Stylianopoulou highlighted the proposed breakwater’s potential to cause “significant, direct and irreversible impacts” on the environment.
Environmental Impact Assessment Findings
A Strategic Environmental Impact Study submitted by the Public Works Department aimed to protect 6.5 kilometres of coastline from erosion. However, it revealed alarming statistics: the construction could devastate 1,603 square metres of Posidonia oceanica meadows, vital to the coastal ecosystem, and damage sandy bottoms and reefs critical for protected turtle species like Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas.
The Natural Balance of the Coastline
Xenia Loizidou, a coastal engineering expert, warned that the existing Pervolia breakwater, built in 1980, has already contributed to severe erosion. She explained that adding new hard structures near the coast could exacerbate the issue, leading to greater instability and increased erosion elsewhere. “Sand in the area follows a natural cycle: carried away in winter and returns in summer. Artificial works would disrupt this balance,” she cautioned.
Recommendations for Sustainable Solutions
The report concluded that the proposed plan is environmentally unacceptable and recommended exploring softer coastal protection measures. Suggestions include extending existing armouring, constructing sea access stairs, and implementing jetties on piles. These approaches are more aligned with modern coastal engineering principles and aim to protect biodiversity while addressing erosion.
The Study Area’s Importance
The area under review is divided into three sub-areas, each with unique coastal characteristics. From Kiti Cape to Pervolia’s natural boulder coastal armouring, and from there to the Yialos Village complex, the region is rich in biodiversity and essential habitats.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding solutions that balance human activity with the preservation of critical marine ecosystems.