Uncontrolled quarrying operations in the occupied north are causing irreversible environmental damage to the Pentadaktylos mountain range whilst creating unfair competition for legitimate businesses operating under strict European Union regulations in government-controlled areas.
The dramatic degradation of the Pentadaktylos mountain range continues unabated through anarchic, illegal and destructive quarrying that flagrantly violates every principle of environmental management and protection.
Stelios Michael, director of the Mines and Quarries Service, speaking to philenews, warned of the tragic situation prevailing in the occupied territories, where the Republic of Cyprus cannot exercise any control.
“Quarrying activity in Pentadaktylos has exceeded all limits. There is no planning whatsoever. This is destructive development with serious consequences for the natural environment, reaching even sensitive forest areas,” Michael said. The official, who originates from Koutsoventis in Kyrenia district, has witnessed the destruction firsthand.
Environmental destruction is not the only problem. The potential transport of aggregates through the Mia Milia crossing point creates new challenges for authorities. “There is an issue of unfair competition, as materials from the occupied areas are produced without any environmental or technical certification, whilst their production costs are clearly lower,” Michael noted.
According to Michael, the Attorney General should examine in depth whether to amend the Green Line regulation to prevent aggregate quarry materials from Pentadaktylos being transported to the free areas under the pretext that mineral resources belong to the Republic of Cyprus, despite authorities not having granted quarrying privileges for Pentadaktylos.
Industry calls for transport ban
The Pan-Cyprian Association of Concrete Producers has repeatedly warned the government and European partners about the urgent need to ban the transport of these materials.
In letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, the association highlighted that obstacles are not only environmental but also legal, as these products originate from illegally exploited Greek Cypriot properties.
Antonis Latouros, representing both the Pan-Cyprian and European Quarrying Associations, has been active at European level, promoting the need to amend the Green Line Regulation.
“We demand the EU takes a stance. It is not possible for us to follow all regulations whilst illegality is legitimised through trade from the occupied areas,” he said.
To illustrate the serious destruction to the Pentadaktylos mountains, Latouros told philenews that “in a few years, Nicosia hotels will be selling sea view rooms”.
EU response acknowledges limitations
Through a question by MEP Loucas Fourlas to the European Commission, answers were sought on how the EU intends to halt the environmental degradation of Pentadaktylos, support legitimate Cypriot businesses and ensure compliance with European environmental legislation.
The response from former Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira was revealing: she acknowledged the Commission knows about the problem but cannot impose measures in areas outside the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, referring to cooperation with the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Environment.
The European Commission’s response to letters from the European Association states: “All such goods must meet all acquis requirements regarding the placing of such goods on the EU market. Article 4(2) of Commission Regulation 1480/2004 establishing special rules for goods originating from areas not under the effective control of the government of Cyprus to areas where the government exercises effective control stipulates that the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus ensure that goods crossing the line comply with Green Line Regulation provisions for health, safety, environment and consumer protection”.
Scientific assessment reveals extensive damage
Former Environment Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Ioanna Panagiotou highlighted in 2016 the enormous risk facing the Pentadaktylos mountain range, characterising it as “unique natural heritage in immediate danger”.
The area would normally have been included in the Natura 2000 network, but this cannot be implemented due to the occupation.
According to scientific assessments, the environmental impacts of quarrying are already visible: habitat destruction, disappearance of rare species, disruption of aquifers and complete landscape alteration. More than 36 illegal quarries are relentlessly scarring the Pentadaktylos mountains.
Five key concerns raised
The Pan-Cyprian Association of Concrete Producers has written to the President of the Republic and relevant ministers requesting prevention of aggregate transport from occupied areas. The association cites five main issues:
Illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties: Quarry exploitation constitutes trespassing on private properties, and transporting their products to free areas would legitimise illegal exploitation.
Unfair competition against Cypriot quarries: Businesses in free areas operate under strict EU regulatory and environmental frameworks, whilst no substantial control exists in occupied areas.
Environmental violations: According to the European Commission’s response to MEP Loucas Fourlas’s question, the quarrying industry in occupied areas operates outside European environmental standards, with no Natura 2000 areas designated despite the Pentadaktylos range certainly qualifying under normal circumstances.
Health and safety concerns: Quarries in occupied areas do not follow European health and safety legislation, creating serious risks for workers and potential impacts on those who come into contact with the produced materials.
Legal and political dimension: The Republic of Cyprus must safeguard compliance with the Green Line Regulation, ensuring no transport of products violating Community law and fair competition principles.
Three specific demands
The association has made three specific requests:
- Ban the transport of aggregates from occupied areas through any crossing point
- Pressure the European Commission to recognise the problem of unfair competition and environmental impacts
- Ensure materials from occupied areas are not used in public works
