In recent weeks, Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, and the Cyprus Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEOC) have made public interventions, expressing their strong dissatisfaction and disagreement with the way the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is handling the implementation of the Sustainable Development Plan for the Akamas National Forest Park (NFP).
Despite confirmed violations of environmental terms during Phase A of the road network improvement project within the Akamas NFP, serious issues remain two years later. These stem from pending restoration works, lack of compliance, and/or failure to assign responsibility. At the same time, key commitments and decisions remain unimplemented, while the Akamas NFP continues to function as an open construction site, with increasing pressures on protected areas within the Natura 2000 network.
Furthermore, limited consultation and a lack of transparency raise concerns regarding the decision-making process.
Through joint letters to the competent authorities and public statements, the three environmental organizations call on the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to ensure the full implementation of environmental terms, the complete restoration of environmental damage caused, and a scientifically grounded reassessment of the Akamas NFP Sustainable Development Plan, through transparent and participatory procedures.
The protection of the Akamas Peninsula is a top priority for civil society and requires immediate, coordinated, and responsible action to ensure the effective safeguarding of the area.