AKEL on the publication of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Sustainable Development of Akamas
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 10th November 2020, Nicosia
The question of the proper management and protection of the Akamas region dates back. Efforts have been made for decades to find the best solution to the issue. Unfortunately, despite the protests and opposition in relation to the way the Akamas National Forest Park is developed, the Anastasiades-DISY government and the competent Minister don’t appear to be giving up on their plans.
We point out that the Plan for the National Park concerns only state land, so the longstanding problem of the private areas that are part of the NATURE 2000 network remains pending. Secondly, at first glance it seems that the main point of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study is the road network and after a preliminary reading it becomes clear that the purpose is the creation of asphalt passages to private properties. The Minister of Agriculture must express a position on whether or not these assessments apply. Above all, however, he must give an answer as to what is the logic behind and for what reasons is he proceeding with this plan. Finally, the legislation also provides for the carrying out of a proper Impact Assessment Study which once again hasn’t been done.
AKEL disagrees with the Plan from a position of principle. We disagree with the Plan because it violates basic principles and laws and takes us back years with regards the all-round management of Akamas. Akamas is an invaluable asset for our country and its inhabitants. It is a unique habitat of Cyprus and Europe as a whole, and that is precisely why the state must provide a solution that will ensure the future of this important region and its communities. The original 2009 proposal provided for land exchange, transfer of development rights and compensation in order to safeguard owners of land, because above all the plan for Akamas had and must be centered on serving people’s needs.
We support the efforts of the environmental movements to protect the area. We are in favor of the creation of a National Park, which if used correctly and with the development of the surrounding communities as the key component, will only bring positives for the region.
AKEL intends to raise the issue for discussion at the parliamentary Environment Committee so that the relevant departments are called to provide answers.
