Former environment commissioner calls departure sudden, cites delays on Akamas

Nicosia, Cyprus. Former environment commissioner Antonia Theodosiou described her departure from the post as sudden and raised concerns over delays in environmental policy, including the protection and management of Akamas.

In an interview with StockWatch published on Saturday, Theodosiou said she had received no indication that she would be replaced during the recent government reshuffle.

Unexpected departure

“I had no suspicion, my departure was sudden, as was my appointment,” Theodosiou said.

She said she was grateful to President Nikos Christodoulides for selecting her as a scientist rather than as a representative of a political party.

Complaints and limited powers

Theodosiou said her office received almost 10 complaints per day during her two and a half years as commissioner.

The complaints concerned tree cutting, uncontrolled rubbish dumping, interventions in forests and natural areas, and irregularities involving beaches.

She said about 90 per cent of the complaints were justified, but said the advisory nature of the commissioner’s role limited the office’s ability to secure action on matters requiring political decisions.

“I had no intervention from the government in the issues I was promoting,” she said.

“However, when it comes to issues that require political decisions, they are all at an early stage or have not even started yet.”

Akamas concerns

Theodosiou identified the protection and management of Akamas as among the main areas where progress had been insufficient.

She said Akamas should be addressed as a broader natural, cultural and social area that includes surrounding communities, rather than solely as a protected landscape.