The Inia community has renewed calls for limited public access measures at Lara Beach, while the Cyprus Animal Party has strongly opposed any move towards organised beach facilities in the protected area.
Residents seek limited access
Speaking to Politis, Inia Deputy Mayor Yiangos Tsivikos said residents have faced restrictions for decades, arguing that both community land and beaches have effectively been placed out of reach.
According to Tsivikos, residents are unable to enjoy local beaches in the same way as other Cypriots.
He said the community has proposed placing a limited number of umbrellas and sunbeds at a specific rocky area in the eastern bay, which contains no sandy beach.
"It is not possible for the community of Inia to have one of the most beautiful beaches and for its residents not to be able to enjoy swimming there," he said.
Tsivikos stressed that the proposal is intended primarily to serve residents rather than promote tourism.
'Those outside the dance know many songs'
The deputy mayor said the issue has been under discussion for years and was previously examined during visits by former ministers Constantinos Petrides and Costas Kadis together with government departments.
Criticising environmental organisations, he said those not directly affected by the restrictions often fail to understand the concerns of local residents.
"Those outside the dance know many songs," Tsivikos said.
He accused environmental groups of repeatedly creating obstacles for Inia residents and argued they should instead act as partners who understand the community's concerns.
"We are the ones who have suffered, we are the ones who have been treated unfairly, and we deserve respect."
No support for large-scale development
Tsivikos insisted that Inia is not seeking large-scale tourism development or an organised resort-style beach.
"We do not want an organised beach," he said, adding that residents do not want the area turned into "Ayia Napa" or "Kato Paphos".
He said the proposal relates only to a limited number of umbrellas and sunbeds at a designated rocky location while preserving the area's natural character.
The deputy mayor also distanced the community from three umbrellas that were recently placed at the site, saying neither he nor Inia residents were responsible.
Animal Party objects
The Cyprus Animal Party said it was alarmed by renewed calls for organised facilities at Lara.
In a statement, the party accused supporters of the idea of using the historic coexistence of people and nature in Akamas to justify development pressures.
"Invoking history cannot be used as an alibi for the degradation of an area that is protected today precisely because human activity has reached levels capable of causing irreversible harm to the natural environment and wildlife."
Protected turtle nesting site
The party stressed that Lara Beach is one of Cyprus's most important nesting sites for sea turtles and serves as a breeding ground for both:
- Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle)
- Chelonia mydas (green turtle)
It also noted that protection of the Lara-Toxeutra area has been a legal obligation of the Republic of Cyprus since 1989.
The party called on all relevant authorities to enforce existing legislation without exception and ensure that conservation measures remain in place.
