AKEL’s concerns about Akamas confirmed

 

Statement by Christina Nicolaou, Head of Energy and Environment Policy of the C.C. of AKEL

9 June 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The debate on the Akamas local plan and the possible consequences of this urban planning project started yesterday in Parliament.

Unfortunately, AKEL’s concerns have not been allayed, on the contrary, they have been confirmed. The Environment Department itself has confirmed that despite the improvements that may exist in the revised local plan, AKEL’s concerns continue about the cumulative impacts which will be very difficult to address. These views are scientifically substantiated by the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Committee which includes public departments and agencies. This view is shared by environmental organisations, but also by agencies such as the Hunting and Wildlife Service.

The scattered development promoted through farms, small industries and other projects will have a huge effect on Akamas.

We stand by the Environment Department’s position that the protection of the Akamas area is non-negotiable and no concessions whatsoever will be made in relation to its protection and management.

AKEL will support all efforts in this direction, because the Akamas peninsula is unique and must be treated as such.

At the same time, AKEL’s position has been and remains that the state needs to make us of tools such as land exchange, the transfer of development rights and payment of compensation, so that land owners and primarily the communities in the area are safeguarded. The above longstanding proposals of AKEL have been submitted since 2010.

We urge the government to stop the process of drafting this local plan and find a solution that respects the principles of sustainability, the unique environment of the Akamas peninsula and local communities.