Dispute over access road management in Akamas National Forest Park

Environmental organizations including Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, and the Federation of Environmental Organizations of Cyprus (OPOK) have called for the immediate implementation of legally binding terms for the Akamas National Forest Park Sustainable Development Plan. They argue the Ministry of Agriculture is indefinitely delaying conditions set in 2021 regarding the Loutra Aphroditis – Fontana Amorosa road. Tensions escalated following an Audit Office report citing safety concerns over the uncontrolled use of the road by private vehicles and quad bikes. The Audit Office recommended restricting access with barriers to compliant vehicles only. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the road is a critical route for emergency services and fire vehicles, making safety upgrades an operational priority. The Ministry acknowledged that uncontrolled access is a real challenge but emphasized that broader structural management is necessary. Meanwhile, the Forestry Department has requested approval for limited, temporary improvements to enhance safety, a move that environmental groups fear could lead to further unauthorized road expansion.