The Akamas Local Plan serves neither communities nor the environment

 

19 April 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The Akamas Local Plan, even with the changes that have been made, neither serves local communities, nor protects the environment.

The limited changes brought about following recommendations from the Department of the Environment again leave Akamas unprotected against developments that are not in line with the area, putting the future of local communities second.

AKEL insists on the elaboration of a comprehensive plan for the Akamas region, which should be governed by the principles of sustainability and that above all will be fair to the local communities.

This is not the first time that the Anastasiades-DISY government has attempted to promote specific, powerful private interests through non-transparent procedures. Particularly in relation to Akamas, it is everyone’s duty to ensure that the protection of the environment and local communities takes precedence over any other parameter.

The danger of losing a unique habitat forever is visible. We will resist and stand against any attempt towards this end.  The state must respect the communities and inhabitants of the area and at the same time apply European and national Law and its provisions with regard to the protection of nature.