Department of Antiquities in Cyprus warns of staff shortages and the risk of losing heritage sites

The Department of Antiquities in Cyprus has reported a serious staff shortage and a threat to the protection of cultural heritage, officials warned during the SIGMA TV program on October 23.

The President of the Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK), Konstantinos Constanti, stated that the Department is “depleted” and unable to act preventively, warning that without immediate support it will only be “chasing events.” The Director of the Department, Giorgos Georgiou, noted the wide scope of work: in addition to excavations, it includes conservation and management of archaeological sites open to visitors, such as Kato Paphos and Kourion, as well as the protection of more than 1,400 listed monuments and many unlisted areas.

Georgiou emphasized the importance of technical teams skilled in traditional crafts (carpentry, stonework, etc.), passed down through generations, which are essential for proper conservation. He reported that in the past three years, 39 technical positions have been eliminated, and parliament-approved posts for engineers and architects have been reassigned to other departments.

Both sides urged the government and relevant ministers to urgently strengthen the Department with scientific and technical personnel, review recent cuts, and ensure funding and political will to prevent irreversible losses of monuments and professional expertise.