Development to a unique European natural site endangers ecology
The natural jewel of Cyprus, the Akamas peninsula, seems to be in danger, further to the latest proposal by the Ministerial Committee on Akamas which allows partial development in the Natura 2000 area. Concerned citizens and the association “Friends of Akamas” are making an effort to prevent the implementation of this proposal which could result in spoiling one of the few remaining natural sites of Cyprus.
The Akamas peninsula, located on the western tip of the island, belongs to the Natura 2000 European Network of Nature Protected Areas. It is one of the few areas of the island that is unaffected by development and a site of great natural beauty. The uniqueness of Akamas for Cyprus, and for the whole of the Mediterranean, lies on its precious ecology; the diversity of flora and fauna living in this relatively small area is truly impressive. The site lists 36 of the endemic plant species of Cyprus (plants unique to this area) and 23 rare or very rare plants. Foxes, snakes and other reptiles as well as 170 species of birds live in Akamas or use it in their movements.
In November 2015, the Ministerial Committee on Akamas, consisting of the Ministries of Environment, Interior, Finance, Commerce and Transport, prepared a proposal to be approved by the cabinet, by which it is suggested that only the state owned land be established as a National Park, giving potential permission for development to the privately owned land within the Natura 2000 site by possibly introducing planning zones.
The privately owned land represents 25% of the Natura 2000 Protected Area and includes Lara and Toxeftra, the most important hatching coastal areas of the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), as well as the beautiful bays of Fontana Amoroza and Asprokremmos. By proposing that only the state-owned land be established as a National Forest Park, the ministerial committee therefore suggests, that the Protected Area be decreased by 25%.
The “Friends of Akamas” association, requests citizens to express their concern on such a proposal. An online petition has been developed requesting that the whole of the Natura 2000 Protected Area becomes a National Park, allowing, therefore, sustainable development only in existing development zones at the Akamas villages outside the Natura 2000 site. The group targets as many signatures as possible to put pressure on the authorities, in order to reconsider this catastrophic proposal, proceed with protecting of the Natura 2000 site and promote the sustainable development of the villages.
In addition to the petition which can be found at https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Proedro_tis_Kypriakis_Dimokratias_Kiryxi_tis_periohis_NATURA_2000_toy_Akama_se_Ethniko_Parko_Akama/ the “Friends of Akamas” association together with other groups and organisations are organising a demonstration outside the Presidential Palace on Wednesday 23rd December at 13:00. It is time we all protect the natural beauty of Akamas and to act before it is too late.
