Three experts from Greece recently visited the Akamas region, accompanied by officials, to assess the first phase of road network improvements under the National Forest Park’s Sustainable Development Plan.
The experts will compile recommendations on how to proceed with the halted road projects in Akamas, following the legal violation of environmental approval terms.
During the on-site inspection, the Department of Forests raised concerns about continuing the existing contract before completing the reassessment of the proposed road network.
The Akamas region, one of Cyprus’s key Natura 2000 Network areas, is at risk of being transformed into a large-scale construction site.
The experts, having listened to the views of relevant authorities, are expected to document their positions.
These will be presented to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment by the end of January.
Additionally, discussions arose during the on-site visit regarding the continuation of work on the Avakas–Lipati road from the point where construction has stopped.
Despite a Cabinet decision for reassessment within the project’s remaining phases, two options were considered: either reassessment in the next phase or project completion with narrower lanes and a one-way system, allowing alternating traffic flow with traffic lights.
