Opposition party Akel has called on the government to cancel a National Guard military exercise held on Thursday in the Akamas peninsula, warning that the operation poses serious risks to one of Cyprus's most ecologically sensitive areas.
Exercise draws sharp criticism
The exercise, which was scheduled to run from 8am to 5pm, involved helicopters, military vehicles and infantry units operating within the Akamas peninsula — a region formally designated as a nature protection zone under EU environmental legislation.
Akel issued a strongly worded statement condemning the decision to stage military training in the area, describing Akamas as irreplaceable in environmental terms.
"Akamas is one of the most important natural heritage areas of Cyprus, integrated into a nature protection zone, with unique biodiversity, sensitive ecosystems and invaluable environmental value."
The party argued that the deployment of military hardware and personnel — even for training purposes — was fundamentally incompatible with the protected status and ecological character of the peninsula.
"The presence of military vehicles, helicopters and military units, even in the context of training, is not consistent with the character and protection status of the area."
Government urged to act
Akel urged the government to revoke the decision authorising the exercise, accusing authorities of failing in their duty to safeguard the region. The party was unequivocal in its position on the matter.
"Akamas is not a place for military exercises."
The opposition party stressed that the peninsula must be maintained as a strictly protected zone, free from activities that could disturb its wildlife or damage its ecosystems.
A long-contested landscape
The Akamas peninsula, located on the western tip of Cyprus, has long been a focal point of environmental debate on the island. Its rugged coastline, dense scrubland and rare species — including nesting sea turtles — have made it a priority area for conservation groups and EU environmental authorities alike.
The use of the peninsula for National Guard training has previously drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing that military activity conflicts with the region's Natura 2000 designation. Thursday's exercise appears to have reignited those concerns, with Akel framing the government's decision as a broader pattern of neglect toward Akamas's protection.
There was no immediate public response from the government or the National Guard to Akel's demands at the time of publication.
