The Department of Forests responds to allegations from environmental organisations regarding new irregular improvement and widening works of forest roads in Akamas.
The complaints concern works carried out by the Department of Forests within the main forest roads of Ayia Marina – Smigies and Smigies – Koutsagkas, within the Akamas National Forest Park (ANFP).
The Department of Forests, in its statement regarding road maintenance in Akamas, states that necessary maintenance is being carried out on a section of the road network and firebreaks as part of preparations for the fire season and forest management and supervision.
The works, it notes, are being executed on selected sections of the road network where the earth road surface has suffered significant damage due to erosion. The Department asserts that these works are not part of the broader plan for sustainable development of the Akamas National Forest Park.
“The works only include basic road maintenance, and there is absolutely no road widening involved. The projects are entirely necessary and aim to ensure the safe and swift movement of firefighting vehicles, as well as the movement of personnel and visitors in the area. Basic maintenance of the forest road network maximises protection for the ecosystems, habitats, and other significant elements of the flora and fauna of Akamas that are at risk of destruction from wildfires during the summer season,” states the Department of Forests.
The Department assures citizens and organised groups, who may understandably be concerned, that their concerns are being heard and that all measures are taken to protect the environment and the natural beauty of the area during the execution of the works.
It is reminded that the environmental organisations Terra Cypria – The Cyprus Conservation Foundation and BirdLife Cyprus expressed serious concerns and strong worries in a recent announcement regarding the procedures followed by the Department of Forests for implementing works in such sensitive areas without following the required procedures.
The two environmental organisations call for immediate information to the relevant Ad-hoc Committee for the ANFP concerning the improvement and widening works of the main forest roads of Ayia Marina – Smigies and Smigies – Koutsagkas within the ANFP Akamas.
Finally, they urge the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment to ensure that no further improvement or widening works of forest roads are carried out within the ANFP Akamas before a full re-evaluation of the Sustainable Development Plan for ANFP Akamas by the Ad-hoc Committee for the ANFP.
