I was filming the endangered monk seal at Pentakomo, Cyprus, when I witnessed a disturbing sight: the construction of a fishing ramp that turned the clear waters into a muddy mess. This is not just any construction project. This is habitat destruction supported by an EU-sponsored fishing development that threatens to erase the home of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and devastate a crucial coastal ecosystem.

The Pentakomo region is one of the few remaining habitats for the monk seal, which is already on the brink of extinction with an estimated population of just 700 individuals worldwide. These seals are a vital part of the marine biodiversity in the area, and their survival is intricately linked with the health of the coastal environment.

The construction of a fishing ramp might seem like a minor development, but the consequences are devastating. The disruption of the natural coastline, the pollution from construction activities, and the increased human intervention are set to irreversibly damage this protected area. European Union funds are being used to destroy what they should be protecting.

For years, environmentalists have fought to preserve this region, recognizing its significance not only for wildlife but also for the local economy, which depends on sustainable tourism and fishing practices. Allowing this construction to continue sets a dangerous precedent, undermining environmental protection laws and the global commitment to safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.

We urge the European Union and the Cypriot authorities to immediately halt the construction of the fishing ramp at Pentakomo. There needs to be a thorough environmental assessment and a reconsideration of priorities, ensuring that sustainable practices guide any development in this sensitive area. We must protect the monk seals and secure the future of this irreplaceable ecosystem for generations to come.

Sign this petition to demand action and safeguard Pentakomo’s coastal environment from further harm.