Over the objections of the auditor-general and environmental groups, it was reported on Monday that the government is going ahead with the tenders’ process for the construction of fish farms in the area of Pentakomo.The €34 million project is being run by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research. Both the auditor-general as well as … Read more
The illegal construction of a church in the Natura 2000 Network in Cape Greco, despite the reaction of relevant government departments, shows that the violation of environmental legislation is deeply rooted in corruption.
A study in a small EU member state proposes reducing car use by 13.45% by 2040 through urban tolls and low-emission zones, sparking reactions and ultimately rejected by the Ministry of Transport. The country aims to increase public transport trips to 17% and decrease car use by 14%. Comparisons are made to other EU countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, which have successfully reduced car use through infrastructure improvements. The country is seen as lagging behind in implementing sustainable transport measures.
The Environmental Impact Assessment for Cyprus’ National Strategic Land Transport Plan is open for public consultation until June 14, 2024. The plan aims to increase public transport usage to 17% and reduce car usage by 14%. The primary objective is to identify potential environmental impacts and propose measures to prevent or offset them. The plan includes increasing electric vehicle and hydrogen stations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving public transport with dedicated lanes and increased service frequencies. Measures like urban tolls and low-emission zones are proposed to discourage car use and reduce air pollution. The plan also includes incentives for sustainable transport modes and creating new job opportunities.
Akel strongly opposes the government’s decision to proceed with a tender for an environmental impact assessment and ecological study for a potential new quarry zone in the area of Androlikou, near Polis Chrysochous.
The Paphos Chamber of Commerce urged the government to speed up developments for the construction of a road linking Paphos airport to tourist areas, including the town centre.
The Audit Office has requested a revised site allocation study for proposed marine farm facilities in the Moni-Vassiliko area due to the area’s significance for the Mediterranean monk seal. Plans to develop aquaculture facilities in the environmentally sensitive area are facing scrutiny, with a project tender issued for €34 million. The Audit Office recommends updating the National Action Plan for Monk Seal Conservation and ensuring public access to relevant assessments. Delays in project implementation could risk losing funding. The Audit Office criticizes the lack of detail in alternative locations considered in a previous study and recommends a revised study to address the gap. The Department of Environment’s pre-screening report for the Environmental Impact Assessment is criticized for not adequately considering the importance of the area for the Mediterranean monk seal. The proposed project aims to serve seven of the nine existing marine aquaculture farms in Cyprus, providing necessary support infrastructure.
The Ammochostos District Office issued an ultimatum to the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos to stop illegal construction works for a monastery in Cape Greco. The Department of Environment demanded a demolition and restoration plan by Wednesday. The development is in a protected area and being carried out without the required permits. If the illegal constructions are not removed within 15 days, legal actions will be taken. Bishop of Constantia can appeal, but the requirement to cease construction remains.
Citizens of Larnaca protested against the redevelopment of Pattichio Park, which includes constructing a restaurant, footbridge, dog park, playground, botanical garden, and parking facilities, with a budget of €7 million co-financed by the EU. The Wetland Protection Group of Aliki opposes the project, stating it falls within a Natura 2000 Network area, requires an Environmental Impact Assessment, and lacks an inventory of protected species. They criticize the Municipality of Larnaca for not conducting a public consultation as required and making unannounced project revisions. Protesters demand a halt to the project until a revised spatial plan is submitted. The protest was supported by the Movement of Ecologists-Citizen Cooperation, Active Citizens-United Cypriot Hunters Movement, and Larnaca Members of Parliament.
The Department of Town Planning identified illegal construction activities by two churches for a monastery in Fterikoudi, including exceeding building coefficients and building on unacquired private land, some within the Natura 2000 area. Two applications were submitted: one for licensing the monastery buildings and another for the road construction leading to it. The Nicosia provincial town planning department received the building application on 12/9/2022 and found the buildings already erected during an on-site visit. The application is under examination, and the Department of Environment has given positive opinions, but no decision will be made until the road is registered. The road registration request is pending, with plans to widen it for safety, involving land expropriation. The road passes through various zones, including Residential (H3), Rural (G3), and Protection (Z1). The land parcels involved belong to the churches of Saint Habakkuk, Saint Porphyrius, and Saint Nicholas, overseen by Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou. For road registration and widening, an Environmental Impact Assessment study is required by the Community Council for approval by the Competent Environmental Authority, ensuring no negative impacts on Natura 2000 areas. However, if the road registration involves no widening, no studies are required. The Game and Fauna Service opposes road registration through Nature Protection areas to avoid encouraging residential development there.