Nicosia, Cyprus. A coalition of 62 organisations in the north issued a joint statement on Monday opposing the concession of approximately 3,500 acres of forest land in Karpasia to the Istanbul Technical University, citing environmental and legal concerns.
Joint statement and objections
The organisations said, “Forests belong to the people,” rejecting the transfer of land they described as a public asset. They added, “Forests are not assets to be transferred, marketed or distributed to certain groups.”
Parliamentary approval and legal concerns
The concession was approved by the north’s “parliament” with support from both governing parties and the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP). The organisations criticised the legislative process, saying it was used to override ongoing legal challenges concerning the status and protection of forest land in the region.
They described the move as “a conscious intervention against the rule of law” and “a clear step taken to render a pending case ineffective, to bypass judicial supervision and to leave the legal struggle fruitless,” and said it amounts to an “abuse of legislative power.”
Amendments and planned use
The measure relates to amendments allowing the transfer and leasing of lowland forest areas, with Karpasia identified as the site for a potential university campus. The region includes environmentally sensitive zones and areas previously designated for protection.
Calls for withdrawal and political reaction
The organisations said the decision prioritises “the demands of certain circles over the interests of the society,” and called for the immediate withdrawal of the legislation and respect for “the rule of law and judicial independence.” They also confirmed support for an ongoing legal challenge initiated by environmental groups prior to the law’s approval.
The CTP later called for the withdrawal of the draft law, citing environmental and social concerns.
Do you support the withdrawal of the legislation allowing the concession of forest land in Karpasia?