Akamas, Cyprus. The Akamas municipality said on Friday that protecting the Akamas national forest park will require more than slogans and promises as the fire season approaches and summer traffic increases.
Call for prevention and operational readiness
The municipality said protection of the national forest park depends on prevention, control, operational readiness, and respect for biodiversity and human life. It said that due to the high risk of wildfires, visitors could become trapped and natural habitats and species could vanish.
Position on vehicle access
The municipality said it does not condone unlimited access of private vehicles to the area, except for service vehicles used to facilitate fire protection, rescue operations and evacuations.
Appeal for Natura 2000 policy implementation
The municipality highlighted the need to implement European policies for the Nature 2000 network, which includes Akamas, to support risk prevention and strengthen ecosystem resilience against climate change and fires.
Requests to officials and political actors
The municipality appealed to the president of the Republic to evaluate the issue and expressed support for the agriculture ministry and state services in protecting Akamas. It also called on political parties and organisations to table applicable proposals to protect the area from fires and other risks.
What measures do you think should be prioritised to protect Akamas during the fire season?