Famagusta, Cyprus. Thirty-five organisations in the north have opposed planned development works in the coastal and wetland zone near the port of Famagusta, citing environmental and cultural value and calling for protection of the area.
Coalition statement calls for protected status
The coalition, including political parties, trade unions and associations, issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling for the zone to be preserved as a protected site of natural and historical importance.
Environmental features and cultural findings cited
The statement said the zone, which includes islands within the port area, contains wetlands, lagoons, reefs and endemic species. It also referred to archaeological findings linked to the Hellenistic period, describing the location as a “sensitive cultural landscape”.
Makamer president highlights ecological significance
Famagusta businesswomen’s association (Makamer) president Pelin Uretiji said the area carries significant ecological weight. “The area, including the islands located in the port of Famagusta, is an extremely sensitive zone of signifcant importance both environmentally and culturally,” she said.
Criticism of tourism ministry comments and development concepts
The organisations criticised comments attributed to the tourism ‘minister’ Fikri Ataoglou, who has supported development concepts including hotels and marinas in the area. His view that objections raised by the 35 organisations represent a differing opinion was described in the statement as being “far from a democratic understanding.”
Concerns about commercialisation and sustainability
The groups said the proposed projects would transform a sensitive coastal zone into a commercial tourism area, which they argued would undermine environmental protections and sustainability. Uretiji said environmental protection in the area goes beyond policy preference.
What role should environmental and cultural considerations play in decisions on coastal development near the port of Famagusta?