The decision not to submit applications for the awarding of Blue Flags at beaches in the greater Limassol area was agreed upon by the local authorities and the national judge, CYMEPA. However, the responsible authorities will participate in CYMEPA’s informational events to clarify that this decision does not imply a deterioration in the quality of seawater.
At the same time, the enhanced monitoring measures for Limassol’s beaches that will be implemented this year will be presented, based on a plan prepared by the Director of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Dr. Theodoulos Mesimeris, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
As Dr. Mesimeris stated to “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, the action plan has already been drafted and sent to all involved authorities and ministries for approval, in order to begin its implementation.
The plan includes additional immediate actions and measures for the prevention, monitoring, and management of marine pollution incidents.
The first measure is the intensification of monitoring the quality of swimming waters, with a recommendation for more frequent sampling and analysis compared to what is required by the current legislative framework, in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The second measure concerns the monitoring and management of marine pollution incidents, particularly in sensitive areas. It is planned that local authorities will purchase services from specialized private entities. For this purpose, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping will provide financial support, while the minimum technical specifications for the relevant tenders have already been established by competent authorities, such as the Fisheries Department and the Ports Authority.
The third measure involves more frequent inspections of activities and facilities that carry a high risk of causing marine pollution. These inspections will cover both land-based facilities and marine activities.
The fourth measure involves utilizing infrastructure provided by the European Commission and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), using a specialized drone to monitor the maritime front of the Republic of Cyprus and detect pollution incidents. According to Dr. Mesimeris, contacts have already been made with all relevant authorities (Department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defense) so that the system can be operational as soon as possible, aiming to start operational activity in early July 2026.
The fifth action is the deployment of marine environmental parameter sensors. The installation of one sensor in the Limassol district and one in the Larnaca–Famagusta district is already underway. These infrastructures will continuously collect samples and monitor critical environmental parameters.
A special additional measure for the Limassol district concerns a site in the Akrotiri area, which may constitute a primary source of water quality degradation. At this location, a vertical pipeline discharges, resulting in the formation of a swamp and accumulation of mud. Immediate cleanup of the area has been decided, with coordination led by the Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA Lemesos).
At the same time, information will be provided to both the involved authorities and the public. For this reason, a meeting was held with the Secretary-General of CYMEPA, Dr. Michalis Ierides, and a joint information campaign was agreed upon. During events planned for the Blue Flags, the Director of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the relevant authorities will participate, presenting the actions being implemented.
Mr. Mesimeris emphasized that the lack of applications for Blue Flags does not indicate a decline in seawater quality, highlighting the need for proper public information.
He also stated that an information platform will be created to share the results of water quality checks, as well as a communication team on a social media platform among the involved authorities, for immediate response to complaints or pollution incidents.
It should be noted that Dr. Michalis Ierides of CYMEPA, which serves as the national administrator of the program, announced the suspension for one year of the awarding of Blue Flags along the coastal front of the greater Limassol area, due to ongoing complaints about water quality.
As he explained, this decision was made to give authorities time to investigate the problem and implement the necessary measures, as it appears to be an ongoing issue.
