Natura 2000 sites

Lack of plan a , ‘danger to Akamas’

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Lack of plan a , ‘danger to Akamas’

The lack of political will for a substantial revision of the sustainable development plan for the Akamas is putting the region in danger, according to the Federation of Environmental Organisations (Opok). They are not satisfied with the government’s intentions and are calling for a correction of mistakes made to avoid unfavorable results for the environment, communities, visitors, and nature lovers. Opok also calls for a ban on hunting in the park and the encouragement of sustainable development in surrounding communities.

Akel speaks out against quarry expansion

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Akel speaks out against quarry expansion

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.

Complying with Natura 2000 a , ‘government priority’

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Complying with Natura 2000 a , ‘government priority’

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.

Mismanagement of Natura2000 sends Cyprus to the European Court of Justice, EU Commissioner says

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Mismanagement of Natura2000 sends Cyprus to the European Court of Justice, EU Commissioner says

Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change and environmental protection. Cyprus, due to its geographical position, is expected to be significantly impacted by climate change, especially in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. Sinkevičius highlights the need for all Member States, including Cyprus, to implement climate targets to mitigate these effects. Additionally, he stresses the importance of implementing provisions for Natura2000 areas to ensure ecosystems can withstand increasing pressures, warning that Cyprus may end up in the European Court over Natura2000 issues if necessary actions are not taken.

Rampant environmental abuse, calls for disciplinary investigation

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Rampant environmental abuse, calls for disciplinary investigation

– 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.

Auditor-general calls for accountability over Natura 2000 mess-up

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Auditor-general calls for accountability over Natura 2000 mess-up

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.

Akamas works , ‘on the right track’

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Akamas works , ‘on the right track’

Environmentalists expressed satisfaction with a government report on construction works in the Akamas, which proposes corrective measures to restore environmental damage. The report was welcomed by environmental organizations such as BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, the Wildlife Protection Association, and the Initiative for the Conservation of Natural Coasts. The infringements addressed include non-compliance with the terms of the Special Ecological Assessment for construction works aimed at improving the road network in Akamas, including unnecessary walls, dumping materials on undisturbed ground, and arbitrary widening of roads. The environmental organizations view the proposed remedies as a positive development for Akamas’ future and appreciate the commitment to re-evaluate future road network improvements and visitor service junctions. However, they are concerned about the incomplete conclusions of the administrative investigation into the works and the lack of responsibility assignment. They await the outcome of a third investigation to attribute responsibility. This issue is underscored by the EU’s decision to refer Cyprus to the European Court of Justice for inadequate protection of Natura 2000 sites, highlighting the urgency of implementing Management Plans for these sites, which are still in progress and lack legal force.

Our View: Political will to protect environment is nonexistant

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Our View: Political will to protect environment is nonexistant

Cyprus governments have historically not prioritized environmental protection, often disregarding their own regulations and laws to favor local communities, developers, and interest groups, despite pressure from the European Union. This has led to Cyprus being referred to the European Court for not adequately protecting Natura 2000 sites. All governments have failed to protect the environment, with a notable example being unauthorized road works in the Akamas area. Despite two investigations into these road works, the reasons behind the deviation from agreed specifications remain undisclosed, prompting a third investigation. The European Commission has criticized Cyprus for approving projects that could harm Natura 2000 areas without proper impact studies, despite a warning letter sent in 2019. Cyprus has designated 37 sites as Special Areas of Conservation, yet no conservation measures have been established for 28 of these. In response to the Commission’s report, the agriculture ministry claimed to have initiated inter-departmental working groups to complete the legal framework for managing Natura 2000 areas, aiming for full compliance with EU directives. However, the lack of political will is seen as a significant barrier to genuine environmental protection.