Bern Convention

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

The complaint was first issued in 1995 by TerraCypria on the protection of the Akamas peninsula and in particular of the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

These species are, according to the complainant, under pressure due to the development of a housing and golf complex and due to off-road driving of quad bikes, anchoring of boats and placement of umbrellas and sand beds at the sea turtle nesting beaches.

The Akamas peninsula is considered a “major nesting site” for sea turtles in the Mediterranean. In total, three on-the-spot appraisals (OSA) have been carried out: in 1997, 2002, and 2016. The latest OSA concluded that the development of buildings and especially the planned golf complex represent a high potential threat through increases in the number of visitors on the beach and as a potential source of light pollution.

The Standing Committee thus recommended in 2016 to declare the whole of the Akamas peninsula a national park, a biosphere reserve, or a protected area with comparable international protected status, including in the protected Natura 2000 area, and to ensure by an appropriate assessment that the golf project will not affect the Natura 2000 site “Periochi Polis-Gialia” and especially the exceptional nesting beach of Limni; in this context, avoid housing and establish a zero-lighting zone in an area of at least 200 meters south of the boundaries of the Natura 2000 site.

At the 43rd Standing Committee in 2023, following a couple of years of talks with stakeholders of the concerned Mediterannean countries, a Guidance Tool on Conservation of sea turtles nesting sites was endorsed by the Standing Committee.

 Key Timeline

• 1995 - Case registration
• 1997 - OSA and Recommendation No. 63
• 1996 - Opening of Case
• 2002 - OSA
• 2016 - OSA and Recommendation No. 191

 Other international organisations involved

• European Commission
• European Court of Justice

 Documents

Complaint form

1995 - 

OSA report and recommendation

Regular reports to the Bureau and/or Standing Committee

Please note that all reports received by a Party during one calendar year are included in one single report for that year. Some older reports are not available in digital form.

Other information / documents