BirdLife Cyprus has sent formal letters to the Town Planning and Housing Department and Environment Department questioning the licensing process for the Pentakomo port project, citing significant discrepancies in construction material quantities between official documents.
The environmental organisation highlighted major variations in material quantities between the Environmental Impact Assessment and government tender documents, stating this means “the project was evaluated with incorrect data that misrepresents actual requirements and impacts”.
BirdLife Cyprus Director Melpo Apostolidou said the case exposes serious weaknesses in how environmental assessments are conducted and project licences issued in Cyprus.
“From massive discrepancies in construction materials to potential non-compliance with set conditions, citizens have the right to know the truth and demand transparency and accountability,” she stated.
Environmental assessment allegedly conducted with incorrect data
The organisation warned of potential “salami-slicing” of the environmental evaluation, as road asphalting leading to the port is planned but was not included in the original assessment.
Construction drawings from the tender show eight separate buildings, potentially violating town planning approval conditions that required warehouses to remain at minimum numbers and be consolidated to reduce visual pollution on the area’s white cliffs.
Natura 2000 designation delays leave area without protection
BirdLife Cyprus noted delays in designating the “Agios Georgios Alamanou” area under the Natura 2000 network, leaving the critical environmental zone without necessary institutional protection.
The organisation’s letters seek responses from both departments regarding the licensing procedures and compliance with established conditions for the coastal development project.
The Pentakomo port development has generated environmental concerns due to its location near sensitive coastal habitats and potential impacts on protected bird species in the region.
(information from CNA)
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