Normally, results for 102 beaches are announced in June, but this year, the analysis for only 80 beaches was conducted and announced in July, with results for 30 beaches shared so far.
Environment Minister Fikri Ataoğlu attributed the delay to a new protocol signed between the Ministries of Tourism and Environment and Health for monitoring, sampling, and analysing sea water quality. Previously, only the Ministry of Health conducted these analyses, but now the Ministry of Environment is also involved.
Regarding the exclusive announcement of results for the sea water in Kyrenia and Güzelyurt, Ataoğlu stated that analyses are ongoing and results will be disclosed progressively.
Environmental organisations argue that the delays are intentional. General Secretary of the Green Peace Movement, Doğan Sahir, said that there was visual evidence of pollution and called the results “incompetent“. He emphasised the need for year-round analysis and accused the authorities of covering up results to avoid harming tourism.
Hatice Benan, President of the Biologists Association, expressed her distrust of the announced results, stating that public confidence in statements declaring waters as “suitable” or “clean” has eroded. She noted that while the Ministry of Health has been uncooperative, the Biologists Association is seeking ways to collaborate with the Department of Environmental Protection to enhance transparency and public trust.
President of the Green Peace Movement, Feriha Tel, highlighted on social media that sea water in Nicosia is clean. She criticised the exclusion of civil society organisations from the sampling and analysis processes, reiterating her lack of trust in the results.
Dr. Cemal Mert of the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association called for regular and transparent disclosure of detailed microbiological and chemical analyses of sea and pool waters. He noted that while analyses are typically shared from April to October, this year’s results were delayed until June. He criticised the announcement of superficial and unconvincing results for 102 beaches just before the holiday season, emphasising the need for consistent and transparent public communication.
Tourism and Environment Minister Ataoğlu explained the delays by noting that the analysis process was traditionally under the Ministry of Health but now includes the Ministry of Environment, which is assisting with sampling. He acknowledged the fact that there was only one laboratory for these analyses.
Environmental leaders such as Doğan Sahir have called for independent, year-round monitoring of all coastal areas, stressing the visible and olfactory evidence of pollution. Sahir urged for transparency in sampling locations and results, volunteering for collaborative analysis to ensure public awareness.
Hatice Benan of the Biologists Association highlighted the lack of public trust in official declarations and the need for transparent sampling and analysis procedures. She stressed the importance of independent involvement from environmental NGOs to rebuild public confidence.
In summary, the delayed and incomplete release of sea water quality results has led to significant distrust among environmental groups and the public, with calls for greater transparency, regular monitoring, and inclusive collaboration with civil society organisations to ensure accurate and trustworthy information.
