AKEL delegation meets with the Association “Ecological Intervention – Friends of Akamas”
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 9th December 2020, Nicosia
A delegation of AKEL, headed by the Parliamentary Representative of the Party and Chairman of the Parliamentary Environment Committee Yiorgos Loucaides had a meeting with the Association “Ecological Intervention – Friends of Akamas”. The AKEL delegation also included the member of the Political Bureau Neoklis Sylikiotis, the AKEL MP’s and members of the Parliamentary Environment Committee Nikos Kettiros and Evanthia Savva, and the Head of the Environment Affairs Bureau of the Central Committee of AKEL Christina Nikolaou.
An extensive discussion and exchange of views took place on the Sustainable Development Plan for the Akamas National Forest Park, as promoted by the Government. The concerns expressed were common about the Akamas Sustainable Development Plan, the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (MEEP) and how it was conducted, since -among other things – they do not provide for the inclusion of private areas within the National Forest Park, pointing out the creation of several kilometers of paved roads within the protected area and include general provisions that are not in line with Community and national environmental law.
With the government plan being promoted, it is clear that the creation of asphalt passages to private properties is being promoted, aiming at their future development and the transformation of Akamas into a profitable services industry.
The AKEL delegation reiterated the Party’s long-standing position in favor of the creation of a National Park, in a way that will set out explicit and very clear lines for the protection and preservation of life and biodiversity in the Akamas area and the development and support of neighboring communities and of their inhabitants. At the same time, a definitive solution must be found for private land within the area, which is not included in the plan, through land exchanges, the transfer of development rights or even compensation, in order to safeguard landowners.
AKEL has already put the relevant issue for ex-officio examination in the Parliamentary Environment Committee, which is expected to be discussed in the immediate future.
