Parliamentary committee to debate environmental activist operations amid controversy

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Cyprus parliamentary Environment Committee is scheduled to debate the actions of environmental organizations, specifically targeting the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS). The agenda item, titled "assessment of the impact of the actions of specific environmental organizations," was proposed by ELAM deputies Linos Papayiannis and Linos Ioannis Hatzigeorgiou. The committee, chaired by Papayiannis, intends to explore the necessity of imposing measures on activists, with ELAM alleging that certain groups operate beyond the law and undermine the police and the Game and Fauna Service.

Environmental groups, including CABS and BirdLife Cyprus, have strongly condemned the session, viewing it as an attempt to criminalize activists and undermine anti-poaching efforts. CABS, which provided data showing their involvement led to 55 poachers' convictions and the rescue of 1,286 birds last autumn, warned that limiting NGO-police cooperation would weaken wildlife protection. While other political parties initially challenged the aggressive phrasing of the proposal, the debate is moving forward without inviting representative environmental bodies. Protests are expected on the day of the meeting, organized by the Party for the Animals of Cyprus.