The historical lighthouse, built in 1860, is under threat of destruction due to strong coastal erosion on the beach Faros in Private, since the authorities do not react to many years of environmental warnings.
Erosion was primarily caused by the construction of a Volnolom, intended for the fishing asylum project in Zigi, which remained incomplete after the decision of the Environmental Protection Department. Scientists warned about serious risks of erosion even before the start of the project.
The Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection of the House of Haralambos, Haralambos, to theopempt, said that this issue was repeatedly discussed at the meetings of the committee, but no answers from the responsible bodies for the adoption of protective measures followed.
The previous public council aggravated the problem by removing pebbles and algae from the beach with the help of excavators, as a result of which huge hills were formed tens of meters high, stretching almost a kilometer along the coastline.
Satellite pictures clearly demonstrate the scale of destruction on the once the best beach of this area, which the turtles previously chosen as a nesting place.
The beach is littered with stones, and the sandy coating remains minimal. The incomplete project of fishing asylum seemed to strengthen the problems of erosion, and did not provide protection of the coast.
Ecologists warned about the possible consequences of erosion even before the construction of a Volnolom, but the authorities continued work, despite scientific recommendations.
The lighthouse, which is under threat of disappearance, is an important object of local heritage, since since the 1860s it has served as a navigation tool for ships in the area.
The damage from erosion goes beyond the direct threat to the beacon, affecting the wider coastal ecosystem, which previously supported the nesting of sea turtles.
Source: In-CyPrus.philenews.com
