Environmental groups criticise termination of Antonia Theodosiou as commissioner

Nicosia, Cyprus. Environmental and cultural organisations have expressed strong disappointment over the termination of Antonia Theodosiou as environment commissioner, describing her departure as a loss of environmental expertise for Cyprus.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the groups thanked Theodosiou for her contribution to nature protection, environmental protection and animal welfare.

Concerns over loss of expertise

The organisations said Theodosiou’s departure represented a loss of valuable knowledge and experience. They said Cyprus needed more, rather than less, scientific knowledge and expertise in public office.

Theodosiou was appointed by President Nikos Christodoulides in January 2024, following her work on the Akamas sustainable development plan.

Questions over the office

Her appointment was controversial from the outset, with the Ecologists stating that it did not represent an agreement between the party and the government.

The party also questioned the institutional status of the commissioner’s office, arguing that it had existed since 2006 without sufficient legal basis, structure or powers to implement environmental policy effectively.

Previous criticism

Theodosiou faced criticism after a House committee hearing on the Limassol wildfires, when she said she had not personally met Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou regarding environmental restoration.

Akel MP Aristos Damianou described her conduct at the time as institutional absence and inaction.

In March 2025, Theodosiou opposed a request concerning the training of hunting dogs in protected Natura 2000 areas. Her office called on the game and fauna service to revoke a decree concerning 13 protected areas.