The environmental wounds left by construction works in the Akamas Peninsula remain open, as the Forest Department fails to adhere to the legally binding terms and timelines, which have been set for the restoration of environmental damage and the reassessment of hydraulic works. This puts at risk the integrity of the protected area and harms the environment.
Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, the Cyprus Wildlife Society, and the Initiative for the Protection of the Natural Coastline call on the Forest Department to respect and implement the terms set in the Appropriate Assessment Report, issued in March 2024. The environmental organisations also demand the adaptation of construction plans to restore environmental damage and minimize the impact on protected ecosystems.
Despite several letters sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, we have received no response regarding the compliance of the Forest Department with the legally binding terms. Additionally, the Water Development Department has already proposed modifications to the hydraulic works as early as April 2024, yet the necessary adjustments have not been implemented.
We demand the implementation of the legally binding terms, the immediate restoration of environmental damage, the closure of unregistered roads, the demolition of illegal constructions, and the issuance of Protection and Management Decrees for the protected Natura 2000 areas in Akamas Peninsula. Continued inaction undermines the protection of Akamas Peninsula and our common natural heritage.