Nicosia, Cyprus. The Environmental Movement has opposed any military exercises in areas of ecological importance and on Thursday called on the government to rethink manoeuvres in Akamas.
Concerns over environmental impact
The movement said military exercises in the area would be detrimental to the natural environment, destroying habitats, causing sound pollution, as well as soil and water pollution, and generally disturbing wildlife.
Status of Akamas as protected natural heritage
The movement said the area is one of the most important zones of natural heritage of Cyprus and is listed in the Natura 2000 European network, home to rare and endemic species of flora and fauna, including the Caretta caretta sea turtle.
Criticism of inconsistent environmental standards
It pointed to what it described as a contradiction between rejecting development projects for environmental reasons while considering military activities in the same area. The movement said environmental protection cannot be applied selectively and added that instead of damaging the environment, more trees should be planted.
Do you support rethinking military exercises in ecologically protected areas such as Akamas?