Ayia Napa marina will be located entirely inside a Natura-2000 protected zone, Phileleftheros reported on Monday.
It said that the location was chosen in 2001, before Cyprus entered the Natura network.
According to Environmental Authority studies, the construction and operation of the marina will result to significant and non-reversible consequences to the natural habitat of the Ayia Thekla-Liopetri Special Protection Zone (SPZ), an important site for migratory birds.
The Environmental Authority finds that development in the area could have a negative impact on the SPZ and in particular to the Greater Sandplover and protected plant species.
Four of the ten Greater Sandplover at Agia Thekla late this afternoon #cyprusbirds pic.twitter.com/MLAmx5EYz0
— Jane Stylianou (@janecyprus) March 13, 2019
Responding to a question tabled by Green Party MP Giorgos Perdikis, the Minister of Agriculture Kostas Kadis said that the project was deemed as being “of superior public interest”. That is why the Ministry gave the green light for the development, despite the environmental consequences.
Among the reasons cited, was also a lack of alternative locations.
Compensatory measures
According to legislation, the state must provide for compensatory measures to make up for the loss of natural habitat of the species.
Phileleftheros writes that the Ministry of Interior decided to extend the Cape Greco SPZ in order to ensure the survival of the Greater Sandplover and has already informed the European Commission about this.
In a letter dated 19/10/2018, the Commission wrote back to the Republic, saying that it found a number of serious mistakes and omissions in the measures propose and has also raised questions about the construction of golf courses in Ayia Napa.
The Ayia Napa Marina will offer 190 luxury apartments in two towers, 29 luxury villas, a marina with mooring capacity for 600 yachts, a shipyard, as well as shops and restaurants.
It is expected to by completed before July 2019.
Read more:
https://in-cyprus.com/significant-progress-made-towards-ayia-napa-marina-development/
