Conservation groups BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria have discovered ongoing wind farm construction work at Kellia State Forest in Larnaca that allegedly violates legally binding conditions of environmental and planning permits.
The organisations said in a statement that construction work is proceeding rapidly to complete the project before the current planning permit expires on 31 December 2024.
Despite fines issued by the Forestry Department and Game and Fauna Service for repeated violations of permit conditions, and despite letters and complaints filed by Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus between 26 July and 17 December 2024, construction of the Kellia wind farm continues unhindered, with two wind turbines already installed.
The environmental groups claim the developer is proceeding with construction at will, whilst relevant authorities, including the Environment Department and Town Planning Department, have taken no action. They argue this demonstrates systematic non-compliance by the developer and systematic tolerance by authorities.
The organisations are calling for immediate cessation of all works and restoration of the area.
Their demands to environmental and planning authorities include revoking current permits due to repeated violations of conditions, halting all construction work, removing all construction materials from the site, and immediate restoration of environmental damage to both Kellia State Forest and the Koshi-Pallourokampos Natura 2000 Special Protection Area.
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