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.
Fact: The ministry of agriculture in Cyprus has begun issuing decrees for Natura 2000 areas with the aim to complete the process by the end of 2025.
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.
– A slew of illegal developments have taken place in environmentally protected areas across the country, including Natura 2000 sites.
– A politically exposed person in Sotira, Famagusta benefited from irregular procedures in obtaining a town planning permit for a tourism development.
– Holiday homes were constructed before all the necessary permits and approvals were granted.
– The most important habitat cave for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus was affected by illegal construction.
– Cyprus has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU for its failure to comply with its obligations under the Habitats Directive.
– Concerns were raised over an illegal biological plant in Kalopanayiotis causing environmental pollution.
– A forest conservator is under investigation for illegal cattle farms within the Natura 2000 area.
– Requests by the Inia community for placing sunbeds and umbrellas at Lara beach were promoted illegally, despite objections by the fisheries department.
– Multiple fires occurred at the Geri-Dali recycling plant site and waste was not properly managed.
Fact: Architects and engineers involved in the construction of a monastery at the environmentally protected Natura 2000 site in Cape Greco will appear before a disciplinary board.
Fact: Cyprus is being taken to the European Court of Justice for failure to protect natural habitats, as announced by the EU in March.
Fact: Cyprus has been referred to the EU Court of Justice by the European Commission for failures to implement the Habitats Directive in environmentally protected Natura 2000 areas.
The European Commission has referred Cyprus to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not complying with the habitats directive (Directive 92/43/EEC). Cyprus has designated 37 sites as special conservation areas but has failed to establish necessary conservation measures for 28 of these sites and has inadequate conservation objectives for 5 sites. The Commission had previously sent Cyprus a warning letter in June 2021 and a reasoned opinion in April 2022. Despite some progress, the efforts by Cypriot authorities are deemed insufficient by the Commission. The habitats directive aims to protect biodiversity by establishing the Natura 2000 network, requiring member states to identify, propose, and manage sites of Community importance for species and habitat conservation. The Commission has also initiated infringement proceedings against 16 member states regarding the designation and management of special conservation areas.
The European Commission has referred Cyprus to the EU Court of Justice for not fulfilling obligations under the Habitats Directive, aimed at protecting over a thousand EU animal and plant species. Cyprus has designated 37 Special Areas of Conservation but failed to establish conservation measures for 28 sites and provided inadequate conservation objectives for five sites. This referral follows a formal notice in June 2021 and a reasoned opinion in April 2022. The Habitats Directive requires member states to designate Sites of Community Importance as Special Areas of Conservation within six years, implementing necessary conservation measures. The Commission’s action is part of efforts to protect and restore biodiversity under the European Green Deal’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, with infringement cases pursued against 16 member states regarding conservation designations and measures.