Parliamentary debate on bird-protection activism triggers controversy

The Cypriot Parliamentary Environment Committee is scheduled to hold a debate this Wednesday regarding the activities of environmental organizations, specifically targeting the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS). The item, initially filed on June 23, 2026, by ELAM MPs Linos Papayiannis and Linos Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou, questions the legality of activist methods, including surveillance and the use of cameras, and claims these groups substitute for police and wildlife services.

ELAM representatives argue that the debate is necessary to ensure operations remain within legal boundaries, claiming that some activists seek to ban hunting entirely. Conversely, environmental groups and opposition MPs, including Marina Nikolaou of AKEL, argue that the initiative aims to target those exposing illegal poaching rather than address actual environmental issues. There is concern that the parliamentary process may undermine the cooperation between NGOs and state authorities.

CABS has warned that limiting such collaboration could severely weaken anti-poaching efforts. The organization reports that during the previous autumn, their data led to the conviction of 55 poachers, the seizure of 1,621 lime sticks, 139 nets, 89 acoustic devices, and the release of 1,286 birds. The committee's upcoming session will determine the official parliamentary stance on the matter.