FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Over 100 turtle nests have been confirmed on beaches within Cyprus’ Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) since early May, marking a strong start to the 2025 nesting season for protected Green and Loggerhead sea turtles.
Experts from the SBAs Environmental Department are leading conservation efforts using a “minimum intervention approach.” Each nest is demarcated with an aluminum cage and sign, but otherwise left untouched, allowing hatchlings to make their crucial first crawl to the sea—a journey that imprints the beach’s location for their return as adults.
With only one in 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, volunteers play a vital role by monitoring beaches daily for tracks and disturbances. SBA Senior Environmental Policy Advisor Alexia Perdiou emphasized the importance of protecting nesting areas from light pollution, pets, camping, and other activities that threaten vulnerable hatchlings.
Strict legislation prohibits interference, with violations punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of €17,000. Enforcement also includes regulating beachside businesses and preventing nighttime placement of sunbeds and umbrellas.
“We hope the 2025 nesting season will be just as successful,” Perdiou said, thanking volunteers, NGOs, and government departments for their continued partnership. Beachgoers are urged to report incidents or sightings to SBA Police at 1443 to aid in safeguarding these vital marine species.