The issue of cutting off access to the Larnaca salt flats, after two cars were trapped for days in the city's large salt flat, was discussed by the bodies involved during a recent meeting.
A statement from the Municipality of Larnaca states that "a meeting was held last week between representatives of the Municipality of Larnaca, the Department of Environment and the Game and Fauna Service to implement additional measures to prevent access to the Larnaca Salt Flats."
The meeting "is part of the Municipal Authority's ongoing effort for open dialogue with the stakeholders on issues concerning the protection of the Larnaca salt marshes, which constitute one of the most important wetlands on our island with rich biodiversity."
According to the announcement, "during the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns. Particular emphasis was placed on solutions such as the repositioning of piles and the investigation of the option of placing boulders at key points of entry for motor vehicles, the placement of a larger number of information signs and the systematic information and education of citizens about the negative impacts of driving and walking within the salt marsh wetland."
It is noted that "driving and walking within the salt marsh wetland when the salt marshes dry up can easily destroy eggs and chicks of birds that nest on the bare surface of the salt marshes. At the same time, it destroys the main food of the flamingos and birds, which are the brine shrimp Artemia (Artemia salina) which are so tiny that they are not easily visible to the naked eye."
During the summer months, "when the salt marshes dry up, the shrimp remain dormant in cysts, waiting for the rains to hatch."
It is recalled that visitors "to enjoy the city's salt flats, they can follow the designated paths or visit the bird observatory and the designated rest and viewing areas along the paths."
The Municipality of Larnaca, the Department of Environment and the Game and Fauna Service "remain firmly committed to the protection of the Larnaca salt marshes with the aim of protecting biodiversity and improving the quality of life in our city."
Source: KYPE
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