Debate over management of the Akamas National Forest Park road

Three environmental organizations, including Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus, have criticized the Ministry of Agriculture for failing to implement legally binding protection terms for the Akamas National Forest Park. These groups claim the ministry is delaying restrictions on the Loutra Aphroditis – Fontana Amorosa road while simultaneously seeking approval for further road widening. This follows a report from the Audit Office, which expressed concern over uncontrolled access by unsuitable private vehicles, such as small cars and quad bikes, in violation of 2021 environmental approvals. The Audit Office recommended the immediate installation of barriers to control vehicle access. Conversely, the Ministry of Agriculture argues that the road is primarily a critical route for emergency and firefighting services. The ministry maintains that while visitor management is necessary, it is secondary to ensuring the road's technical functionality for state operations. Consequently, the Department of Forests has requested environmental approval for temporary, limited improvements to ensure safety and emergency access, rather than a full-scale upgrade.