Environmental organizations criticize government policy on Akamas and Natura 2000 sites

Five environmental organizations, including BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria, have addressed an open letter to President Nikos Christodoulides, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the protection of Natura 2000 sites. The groups claim that the government has failed to implement key biodiversity pledges from its 2023 programme, noting ongoing EU infringement procedures against Cyprus. A central issue of contention is the Akamas National Forest Park, where organizations allege that construction and road-improvement projects violate binding environmental conditions. Specifically, the 'Friends of Akamas' group has challenged a recent ecological assessment report favoring the road expansion between Baths of Aphrodite and Kakoskali. Critics argue this expansion encourages private vehicle traffic, contradicting the park's sustainable development plan. Additionally, the Commissioner for the Environment has reportedly been excluded from recent discussions by the Environmental Authority. The groups are calling for an immediate halt to interventions, the implementation of management plans, and a public update on the status of protected areas.