Environmental groups have raised concerns over missed deadlines in the review of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park (NFP), despite government decisions made in late 2023 and early 2024.
The Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus, Terra Cypria–the Cyprus Conservation Foundation, and BirdLife Cyprus, three prominent environmental organisations, acting as independent members of the ad-hoc committees overseeing the park’s development, have requested updates on several key issues.
These include timelines for addressing ecological problems along the Toxeftra-Avakas-Lipathi road, resolving hydrological issues at multiple points along the Toxeftra-Avakas road, and establishing a legal framework for protecting Natura 2000 Network areas within the park.
The groups highlight that despite a supplementary Special Ecological Assessment (SEA) report issued in March and subsequent Cabinet approval for environmental improvement measures, the re-evaluation of Phase A of the park’s main road network remains incomplete.
Geological surveys have identified instabilities at three locations, with proposed interventions that environmentalists warn could significantly impact conservation objectives.
Additionally, the Water Development Department has issued guidelines for works affecting watercourses, aimed at maintaining riverine corridor continuity and protecting fish habitats.
A Cabinet decision from December 2023 set a June 2024 deadline for re-examining works related to the road network and infrastructure management.
However, neither this re-evaluation nor the assessment of other works included in the Sustainable Development Plan has been completed to date.
The environmental organisations are now seeking a “final realistic timeline” for the re-evaluation of remaining works and their submission for ecological assessment, in line with relevant legislation and established procedures.
