AKEL raises the issue of the construction of a church in a Natura area before Parliament
3 April 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
AKEL today asked the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment to register for an ex officio examination of the issue of the construction and erection of a temple in a Natura 2000 Network Special Conservation Zone in Cape Greco and the possible environmental impact. This issue arises following the actions of the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos to build a large church that falls entirely within the Natura 2000 network’s protected areas of the Special Conservation Zone (SCZ) and the Special Protection Zone (SPA) of Cape Greco. The earth interventions and construction works have proceeded, according to the Environment Department, without the required environmental approval and planning/building permits.
AKEL stresses that Parliament has a responsibility to immediately examine the licensing and environmental permit procedures for this development and the possible environmental impact on the area. The Parliamentary Environment Committee has approved the registration of the issue proposed by AKEL and will proceed to discuss it before Parliament closes for Easter.