Time is running out for our national forest
Statement by the Head of the Environment Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL Christina Nicolaou
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 15th November 2019, Nicosia
Eighty malicious fires in and near the Akamas Forest Park have been recorded by the Forest Department over the last three years. These fires have destroyed precious parts of our national forest and for which no one has been prosecuted.
Unless a comprehensive plan for the area is elaborated, these phenomena will continue and indeed will destroy Akamas. AKEL has repeatedly stressed that management plans are demanded to explain in detail how Akamas will be protected, how owners of land will be compensated and how local communities will be supported. These matters were all foreseen in the decision approved in 2009. The current government has not only annulled the 2009 decision, but has also proceeded to draw up plans that shrink the protection area and give the possibility for development within AKAMA.
The government has to provide answers to specific questions:
Why has only state land been included in the plan for the National Forest Park?
Why hasn’t the government ruling forces made any efforts whatsoever to find a solution with the owners of land within the state forest?
Do they perhaps have any other plans for the area and is that the reason why they are delaying any action in this direction?
The Auditor General’s report on the change of planning zones in Kouklia demonstrates the government’s criminal indifference to environmental protection. It also shows that the list of interests it wants to serve is long.
Time is running out for our national forest.
Announcements expressing sadness and visits to the area by the government ruling forces are not enough.
Citizens are demanding that the government really protect Akamas.
