Cars get stuck in Larnaca salt lake, authorities lose their cool

Two cars have once again found themselves stuck in the Larnaca Salt Lake, prompting frustration and fines from local authorities who say enough is enough.

In a strongly worded joint statement, the Larnaca Municipality, the Department of Environment, and the Game and Fauna Service said they were “deeply concerned” about the latest incident of illegal vehicle entry into the Salt Flats, a protected Natura 2000 site that’s home to thousands of migratory birds.

“Despite repeated warnings, awareness campaigns, and clear signage, some people continue to blatantly ignore the rules,” the statement read. “These actions endanger the delicate ecosystem of Alyki and show a complete lack of respect for our natural heritage.”

Authorities aren’t taking it lightly. The Game and Fauna Service has already slapped a €2,000 fine on one of the offenders for damaging the habitat, a violation under Cyprus’ Wild Birds and Game Protection laws. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment is coordinating the safe removal of the stranded vehicles to prevent further damage to the wetland.

The Larnaca Salt Lake isn’t just a pretty backdrop for winter flamingo selfies; it’s one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean, protected under both national law and international conventions like Ramsar. Since 1997, it’s been under strict environmental protection, given its role as a stopover for migratory birds and a vital local ecosystem.

But even with its well-known protected status, the lake has repeatedly faced the same problem: a few careless drivers who treat it like an off-road adventure park.

As one environmental officer put it bluntly, “We’re not just talking about a puddle; this is a living ecosystem. Every tire mark leaves a scar.”

Authorities say they’ll keep working together to tighten enforcement and raise awareness, but they’re also reminding the public that common sense shouldn’t need a law to be enforced.