Nicosia, Cyprus. Environmental organisations intensified criticism on Monday over the management of the Akamas peninsula, accusing the forestry department and the agriculture ministry of sustained inaction and continued breaches of legally binding environmental conditions.
Groups cite unimplemented decisions and ongoing works
In a joint statement, BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria and the Cyprus federation of environmental organisations described the Akamas national forest park as “a vast construction site” nearly two and a half years after works began under the sustainable development plan. They said “decisions are made but not implemented, violations are identified but have no consequences and the state’s commitments remain unfulfilled.”
Road network project and reported deviations
The dispute centres on the first phase of the park’s road network, launched in September 2022 to allow for controlled visitor access in one of the island’s most ecologically sensitive areas.
Environmental groups first raised concerns in October 2023, when they reported what they described as serious deviations from approved environmental terms during construction works.
Presidential intervention and cabinet reassessment
The reported findings prompted presidential intervention and the cabinet calling for reassessment in December 2023 to reduce the project’s environmental footprint. The organisations said that, despite these directives, “none of these commitments have been implemented” to date.
Requests for updates and accountability questions
“The ministry’s silence can no longer be perceived as a simple delay,” the groups said, adding that repeated correspondence sent since mid-2024 requesting updates on timelines and compliance had received no response.
The organisations also raised concerns about accountability mechanisms, stating that three administrative investigations and one disciplinary inquiry into the reported violations have been completed, but none have been made public. “Despite assurances of transparency, no responsibility has been attributed,” they said, questioning both the outcome and the absence of disclosure.
What steps do you think authorities should take to ensure transparency and compliance in the Akamas project?
