Four environmental organisations have launched criticism against the Department of Forests, accusing it of “arrogance” and “denial of reality” over violations identified in construction works in the Akamas National Forest Park.
Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, Cyprus Wildlife Society and the Cyprus Natural Coastline initiative issued a joint statement condemning what they described as a provocative stance by the Department of Forests. The criticism follows the department’s official declaration that it remains “fully satisfied and vindicated” by re-evaluations of projects implemented in Akamas.
The organisations expressed bewilderment at this statement, arguing that serious violations of legally binding environmental conditions have been documented in both the Sustainable Development Plan of the National Forest Park and Phase A of road network improvements.
Department of Forests faces criticism from multiple agencies
Since October 2023, the Department of Forests has “refused to acknowledge serious mistakes that have been committed” and its corresponding responsibilities, according to the environmental groups. This has resulted in a construction site remaining open in the heart of Akamas Peninsula, with significant delays in both re-evaluation and project completion.
All other members of the Ad-hoc Committee for Special Ecological Assessment, except the Department of Forests, have recognised violations of environmental approval conditions. These include relevant state services such as the Environment Department, Fisheries Department, Game and Fauna Service, as well as environmental organisations.
Irregularities have been highlighted by institutional and scientific bodies including the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber, independent experts, the Audit Office, the Parliamentary Environment Committee, and the President of the Republic himself. Related decisions by the Council of Ministers were taken in December 2023 and March 2024.
The organisations directly challenge the Department of Forests’ claim of “vindication” and demand explanations about which specific points the department considers itself vindicated on. They raise specific questions about demolition of retaining walls built along protected geomorphological sites, complete removal of water supply pipelines, comprehensive re-evaluation of hydraulic works, and cancellation of further ditch construction.
Audit office releases damning report on construction works
On 23rd June 2025, the Audit Office published a special audit report on construction works at Akamas National Forest Park, characterising it as damning for the Department of Forests. Additionally, a new special compliance report regarding the service’s adherence to environmental approval conditions is expected.
The four environmental organisations call on the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to take an immediate position and end what they describe as “tolerance” towards Department of Forests practices, “unless she shares them”.
They also demand publication of all findings from administrative and disciplinary investigations related to violations of environmental conditions in both the Sustainable Development Plan and Phase A works at Akamas National Forest Park.
The Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation has also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Department of Forests’ announcement, describing ongoing works as “incompatible and destructive” to the area’s sensitive environmental system. The federation calls on the department to consider the seriousness of compliance reports issued by the Environment Department and abandon what it characterises as “celebrations for other occasions”.
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