The Federation of Environmental Organizations in Cyprus (OPOK) released a statement calling for immediate alignment with the Essential Terms of Special Environmental Assessment and the Strategic Impact Study for Akamas.
Here’s an excerpt from the federation’s statement:
“With great regret, we observe our previous concerns about the road network projects in Akamas (EDPA) being confirmed. Following the recent statements by the auditing service, the violations observed in Akamas, repeatedly highlighted by our federation, are confirmed.
It is now clear that the expansions seen in the road network, excavations, construction of retaining walls, and the disposal of waste in sensitive ecological areas blatantly contradict the specific terms of the Special Environmental Assessment (Due Diligence) and the terms of the Strategic Study for Akamas.
The Federation of Environmental Organizations in Cyprus (OPOK) condemns any breaches of legally binding terms, knowing beforehand that these violations inevitably lead to the alteration of natural wealth and endanger the natural environment and the unified ecosystems of the Akamas Peninsula, causing negative and irreversible impacts.
For this reason, the Federation of Environmental Organizations in Cyprus emphasizes the urgent need to immediately halt any further work and redesign the entire management plan for the Akamas Special Forest Park.
In light of the distressing developments concerning Akamas, and while violations are being recorded and evaluated by the Department of Environment, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment has called for a meeting on Friday, 17th November, with environmental organizations to exchange views and clarify issues regarding the burning matter of Akamas.
OPOK will participate in the meeting and will request the state and the relevant ministry to intervene promptly, stop all ongoing work, redesign the entire Akamas plan, restore the environmental damage where possible from Phase A of the project, and assign responsibility to the authorities.
The Akamas Peninsula stands as one of the last significant environmental and cultural heritages of our land. The government is urged to pay special attention and care to ensure, at all costs, the preservation of Akamas for future generations.”
