One of Nicosia’s last traditional olive groves faces destruction as the Church pursues a major residential development project in Engomi, prompting formal opposition from the Green party.
The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation has issued a public appeal to Archbishop Georgios, requesting the Holy Synod reconsider the development plan during its scheduled meeting on Wednesday, citing significant environmental and urban planning concerns.
In a letter dated March 20, party chairman Giorgos Perdikis called for a fundamental reassessment of the project, which environmental experts warn would eliminate crucial green space in Cyprus’s capital.
“The proposed development threatens complete destruction of one of the capital’s last traditional olive groves,” the letter stated, which was also forwarded to the Parliamentary Environment Committee chairperson and the Environment Commissioner.
Environmental assessments indicate the development would significantly increase concrete and asphalt coverage in an area already experiencing climate change impacts, potentially worsening the urban heat island effect and degrading living conditions in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Green Party claims their previous recommendations for substantial increases in green space allocation and unified placement of preserved areas were disregarded during public consultations with project developers.
“The green spaces included in the master plan are fragmented into narrow strips of ‘decorative’ character, serving more to enhance the appearance of buildings rather than providing genuine environmental relief for the city,” a party spokesperson said.
The environmental movement has renewed its proposal for creating a landmark public park with easy access from Grivas Dighenis Avenue, where ancient olive trees could be transplanted to preserve the historical memory of the Kykkos Monastery olive grove.
“Development without respect for the natural and historical character of a place is not progress. It represents a profound loss,” the statement concluded.
