protected area

From Akamas to vultures, a simple public warning

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From Akamas to vultures, a simple public warning

The need for civil society organizations to act as environmental watchdogs remains urgent, as recent revelations have shown violations of environmental conditions in the Akamas area. The scandal involved roadworks that ignored environmental conditions, and the Forestry Department was supposed to oversee the project. The Water Development Department had warned about violations a year before environmental NGOs raised the alarm. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect Griffon vultures from extinction, with poison baits and power line collisions being major threats. Despite efforts to persuade the Electricity Authority to make infrastructure safer, losses of vultures and eagles continue due to collisions and electrocutions.

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.

Unficyp chief briefs Pace on peace-building efforts in Cyprus

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Unficyp chief briefs Pace on peace-building efforts in Cyprus

Colin Stewart briefed Italian MP Piero Fassino on peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus.

Ministry rejects appeal in Cape Greco monastery scandal

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Ministry rejects appeal in Cape Greco monastery scandal

The Minister of Interior rejected the hierarchical appeal against the construction of a monastery in a protected area in Cape Greco. The Bishopric of Constantia can either appeal to the judiciary or comply and demolish the building. The Minister offered to consider exchanging church land to relocate the monastery and protect the natural environment. If the Bishopric chooses to rectify the illegalities, it must follow the terms set by the Environmental Authority.

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.

And then we wonder if it’s a mafia state

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And then we wonder if it’s a mafia state

An insensitive structure resembling a warehouse was built in a protected area by a Holy Bishopric, breaking the law. The construction of a monastery and a cove were completed illegally, with heavy machinery used to cut rocks. An illegal fundraiser was held to support the construction, offering lavish gifts as incentives. Additionally, a private individual built a structure on government land for a factory, later subletting it to the government for storage of pharmaceuticals. Despite the unsuitability of the structure, the contract was renewed until 2045, leading to damage of drugs due to exposure to heat and rain. The events described highlight the existence of a mafia state, as testified by Makarios Drosiotis.