Warning shots were fired by Maria Panayiotou against those who are transgressing in the Akamas peninsula, with the Agriculture Minister saying that she will push forward with blocking all illegal development and seeking the support of involved ministries.
In an interview with Phileleftheros, she assured that the goal is to further intensify action that will allow the removal of all unlawful buildings or facilities inside the National Forest Park, in accordance with the obligations of the relevant environmental evaluation.
Panayiotou noted that a project team and a committee of advisors will be appointed for strict monitoring of work to improve the Akamas road network (first phase), with safe access to the peninsula. ‘The project will be conducted under the guidance of the Labour inspection department, experts and the support of all competent ministries and departments’, the minister added.
The Forest Park should operate under established environmental practices for sensitive areas, the Agricultural Ministry stressed, with Panayiotou saying there will be consultation with environmental organisations and local communities. The goal is for all work to have a mild effect on the environment, always focusing on monitoring, with a civil engineer from the Department of Public Works coordinating all action.
A disciplinary investigation will continue into possible illegalities and unsuitable development in a Natura 2000 area. ‘Everyone will be held accountable if allegations are substantiated’, Panayiotou warned. Results are expected in mid-May.
The minister further vowed to remove illegal tourist facilities in the Akamas area, including a restaurant at the turtle-nesting beach of Lara and two other cases on the boundaries of the peninsula.
