One of Cyprus’s most contentious environmental management cases has returned to the spotlight with the Environmental Authority’s compliance report on Phase A of the Akamas National Forest Park road network project.
The Environment Department was tasked with managing the controversial Phase A road works in Akamas, which began in September 2022 and were suspended in October 2023 following President Christodoulides’s intervention amid reactions over their environmental impact.
The Council of Ministers, in its decision on 20 December 2023, ordered a review of the works. The Environment Department subsequently conducted a reassessment and today published a new compliance report addressing 19 conditions from the Supplementary Special Ecological Assessment Report issued in March 2024.
Key compliance findings
The new report contains recommendations for safeguarding the area’s environmental integrity whilst providing answers for the “next day” in Akamas, avoiding false expectations for subsequent project phases.
The Environmental Authority recommends establishing a mechanism to monitor environmental condition implementation and is preparing a proposal for the Agriculture Ministry. Monitoring will include a specialised environmental inspector with daily on-site presence, documentation through photographs and daily recording.
Critical conditions addressed
Several key environmental conditions have been evaluated:
Stormwater management: The chronic problem of stormwater runoff from Peyia residential areas ending in the protected Aspros Potamos area is being resolved. A study submitted in March 2025 by Akamas Municipality was evaluated by the Water Development Department, resulting in acceptance of “Solution B” – channelling stormwater along the existing road with anti-erosion interventions at the exit point.
Wall removal: The condition requires removing all retaining walls and downgrading the road’s longitudinal profile. However, both the Forestry Department and Geological Survey Department deem certain walls necessary for safety reasons. The Game Service proposes creating wildlife passages where walls remain.
Water supply hose controversy: Particular emphasis is placed on Condition 10 regarding the water supply hose, which appears to have raised significant concerns. The Environment Department’s assessment highlights the need for removal or replacement with an alternative solution that doesn’t affect wildlife or landscape aesthetics.
Habitat restoration: After work completion, the Forestry Department commits to restoring affected Natura 2000 habitats through seeding and planting local species, targeting habitats including Juniperus phoenicea, Pistacia lentiscus, and olive and carob forests.
Monitoring mechanism established
To ensure faithful application of conditions, and based on the Agriculture Minister’s instructions, a suitable environmental monitoring mechanism will be established under the Environment Department’s responsibility. An environmental inspector will be appointed for daily on-site presence, submitting incident reports accompanied by photographic material to the environmental authority.
Project scope adjustments
Most of the Lipatis road has been removed from the current project phase, as required by Cabinet decision. The Forestry Department confirms compliance, with final reconsideration of the section dependent on hydraulic studies in the Avakas area.
Legal framework completion
National Forest Park operational rules have been submitted for legal review, which has been completed. Final ministerial signature remains to implement the relevant framework.
Conclusion and next steps
After comprehensive evaluation, the Environment Department concludes that full compliance with relevant conditions and Cabinet decisions can be achieved. This is supported by reducing the environmental footprint in Akamas National Forest Park through coordinated action from all relevant departments and bodies.
The reduced environmental impact, combined with strict monitoring requirements and expert oversight, aims to balance development needs with conservation imperatives in this ecologically sensitive area.
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