AKEL: An environmental crime has been committed at the “Kambouris sand” beach

15 February 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

At the “Kambouris sand” beach an environmental crime has been committed that bears all the characteristics of corruption and entanglement/interwoven interests. The previous government, but also the departments and authorities involved, all bear grave responsibilities for this crime.

The revision of the relevant Special Ecological Assessment Report and its amendment with the removal of legally binding conditions, as demonstrated through the investigation that has been carried out, confirms that, once again, powerful economic interests have been put above the interests of the country.

Instead of ensuring further protection, the strengthening of environmental conditions and the restoration of the area, we see increases in building rates, the number of storeys and height of buildings. All this is taking place in a protected area that is already under pressure from illegal interventions.

We call on the government – even belatedly – to hold the perpetrators and those involved in this environmental crime to account.