"Why is it allowed to operate shooting ranges near or in wetlands, e.g. Lake Paralimni? " asked the MP of the Ecologists Movement, George Perdikis, through a question he submitted to the Parliament, to receive an answer from the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Costas Kadis, that, “regarding the shooting range at Lake Paralimni, it is noted that prevention of shrapnel transport ".
Species defining the area include Pellokaterina, Kalamokannas and Nanoploumidi, while in Lake Paralimni there are flamingos, but also the Water Snake of Cyprus, which is a priority species at pan-European level. Please note that the shooting range has never been subjected to an Environmental Impact Assessment Study and / or an Adequate Environmental Impact Assessment Study. In addition, it has never been granted a planning and / or building permit, and continues to operate, despite the fact that the area joined the Natura 2000 Network 10 years ago.
The MP of the Ecologists asked the relevant question after the finding that during this year at least one Flamingo died after poisoning by lead pellets (shrapnel) which were found in his stomach and body.
It is noteworthy that the shooting range near Aliki Larnaca closed in 2007, after protests due to multiple and continuous bird deaths.
Answering the relevant question, Mr. Kadis stated that in 2003-2004, after the decision to close the shooting range in Alykes Larnaca, restoration works were carried out in the wider area of the lake. These included the removal of cartridges and sediment containing high concentrations of lead, as well as the demolition of buildings and the removal of rubble and other shooting infrastructure.
He added that the flamingo poisoning appeared to be an isolated incident, which was probably caused by the rainstorm resulting in the transport of shrapnel from areas where hunting is allowed.
Source: philenews / Angelos Nikolaou