Environmental organisations are demanding the immediate publication of the final report of the administrative investigation into Phase A of the main road network improvement in the Akamas National Forest Park.
Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, the Cyprus Wildlife Society, and the Initiative for the Rescue of Natural Coastlines are calling for the immediate release of the final report of the administrative investigation into the violation of legally binding, essential, and specific terms of the environmental approval of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park (ANFP) during the implementation of Phase A for the improvement of the main road network, specifically concerning the following forest roads:
- Aspros Potamos – Toxeftra – Lara,
- Lara Circular, and
- Toxeftra – Avakas – Lipati.
It is reminded that on 20.11.2023, the Director-General of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment (MARD&E) assigned an Internal Control Officer of the MARD&E to conduct a relevant administrative investigation.
The initial findings of the administrative investigation were supposed to be completed by 24.11.2023, through the submission of a relevant report.
The findings and conclusions of the initial findings of the administrative investigation were announced on 05.12.2023 by the then Minister of MARD&E.
However, the terms of reference, findings, and conclusions of the initial findings of the administrative investigation were deemed inadequate by the former Minister of MARD&E.
On 21.12.2023, the Cabinet approved a proposal from the former Minister of MARD&E for changes concerning the implementation of the projects of the Sustainable Development Plan of the ANFP.
Based on the specific decision of the Cabinet, among other things, a proposal for the continuation and completion of the administrative investigation was approved until 15.01.2024, under the responsibility of the Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of the Ministry of MARD&E.
The supplementary findings of the administrative investigation were submitted on 17.01.2024, followed by a two-month examination of the relevant report by the Minister of MARD&E, who stated being “fully committed to transparency” and willing to follow “all legal procedures and wherever responsibilities are evidenced, they will be attributed.”
On 13.03.2024, the Cabinet approved a proposal presented by the Minister of MARD&E, based on which it was decided to conduct a new administrative investigation by the Director-General of the Ministry of Interior.
Specifically, the Minister of MARD&E, after carefully studying both the initial and interim findings of the administrative investigation, found that the conclusions and findings of the relevant reports are deficient, as they do not address most of the questions raised, falling within the terms of reference of the administrative investigation.
Specifically, as part of the Cabinet briefing, the Minister of MARD&E stated that “where answers are provided, they are deemed inadequate and indicate the need for further investigation to draw reliable and substantiated conclusions.”
Under these circumstances, the Minister of MARD&E deemed it necessary for the administrative investigation to continue, focusing on the need for a proper and comprehensive investigation, documenting responsibilities, where they appear to exist, with new, specific questions.
For this purpose, the Minister of MARD&E proposed the conduct of a new administrative investigation, assigned to the Director-General of the Ministry of Interior, and its completion within a period of eight weeks, no later than 10.05.2024.
Upon completion of the administrative investigation, the Minister of MARD&E committed to informing the Cabinet about the findings and final conclusions.
Depending on the findings that will emerge, the Minister of MARD&E pledged to take further steps and, based on the outcome of the new administrative investigation, disciplinary action may even be ordered.
