MVP

Tag: Akamas

  • Audit Office Highlights Misleading Claims Over Akamas Private Party

    Audit Office Highlights Misleading Claims Over Akamas Private Party

    akamas private — akamas private — The Audit Office has raised concerns about misleading statements made by local officials regarding a private party in the Akamas protected area. The controversy revolves around the installation of a stage and sound equipment for a businessman’s birthday celebration, which the Audit Office insists was not connected to the Carob Festival.

    In a statement released on Tuesday, the Audit Office clarified that the setup, which took place in an environmentally sensitive area, had no ties to the established festival. This assertion counters claims made by the Akamas mayor, the president of the Paphos District Local Government Organisation, and the director of the Department of Environment, who had previously linked the two events.

    Akamas private: Misrepresentation of Connections

    The Audit Office accused these officials of attempting to mislead the public by drawing arbitrary connections between the private birthday celebration and the Carob Festival. According to the office, the stage and sound equipment erected for the private event lacked necessary permits and were not in any functional or geographical relationship with the festival.

    “This sends extremely wrong messages regarding the state’s capabilities to enforce legal order,” the Audit Office stated, highlighting that basic principles of EU environmental law mandate precaution and prevention rather than reactive measures. The department also expressed serious reservations about the claims made by the Department of Environment Director, who suggested that the department lacked the legal tools to intervene preventatively.

    Concerns Over Environmental Protections

    The Audit Office’s statement underscored the fact that state officials had prior knowledge of the private party and the associated risks to the environment. Despite having ample time to address the situation, there was a failure to act decisively to prevent the event from occurring.

    The initial findings have raised suspicions of potential negligence or unjustified tolerance from state officials aimed at accommodating private interests. The Audit Office has reached out to the Ministry of Agriculture for an official response regarding these findings.

    Future Actions and Environmental Implications

    As more information comes to light from ongoing investigations, authorities will determine the appropriate next steps and whether the case should be referred to relevant bodies for further scrutiny. The situation shines a spotlight on the delicate balance between private events and the protection of areas like the Akamas peninsula, which is home to numerous protected species and habitats as recognised by EU legislation.

    The Audit Office’s findings raise critical questions about the enforcement of environmental protections and the responsibilities of state officials. With the Akamas region facing ongoing pressure from development and private interests, the need for stringent adherence to environmental laws has never been more pressing.

  • Akamas violations — Environmental Groups Criticise Forestry Department Over Akamas Violations

    Akamas violations — Environmental Groups Criticise Forestry Department Over Akamas Violations

    akamas violations — akamas violations — Environmental groups have strongly condemned the Forestry Department for its handling of construction violations in the Akamas National Forest Park. Four prominent organisations—Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, Cyprus Wildlife Society, and the Cyprus Natural Coastline initiative—have accused the department of displaying “arrogance” and a “denial of reality” in the face of documented environmental breaches.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    This public outcry follows the Forestry Department’s assertion that it feels “fully satisfied and vindicated” by its ongoing projects in Akamas, a statement met with disbelief by the environmental groups. They argue that significant violations of legally binding environmental conditions have been observed, particularly concerning the Sustainable Development Plan and the first phase of road network improvements.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    The criticism has been mounting since October 2023, as the Forestry Department has allegedly refused to acknowledge serious discrepancies and its responsibilities related to various projects. This has resulted in a construction site remaining operational in a critical area of the Akamas Peninsula, impeding progress on both project re-evaluation and completion.

    Members of the Ad-hoc Committee for Special Ecological Assessment, excluding the Forestry Department, have identified breaches in environmental approval conditions. This includes input from other state agencies such as the Environment Department, Fisheries Department, and Game and Fauna Service, alongside various environmental organisations.

    Irregularities have also been flagged by respected institutions such as the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber, independent experts, and even the Audit Office. Notably, decisions made by the Council of Ministers in December 2023 and March 2024 have added to the scrutiny faced by the Forestry Department.

    The environmental organisations have challenged the Forestry Department’s claims of vindication, demanding clarity on the specific points of satisfaction highlighted by the department. They have raised pressing questions regarding actions such as the demolition of retaining walls along protected geomorphological sites and the removal of water supply pipelines, as well as the need for a thorough re-evaluation of hydraulic works.

    A special audit report released by the Audit Office on 23rd June 2025 has been described as damning for the Forestry Department, further intensifying calls for accountability. The organisations have urged the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to take decisive action against what they term a “tolerance” of the department’s practices, unless she endorses them.

    The groups are also demanding transparency by calling for the publication of all findings from administrative and disciplinary investigations related to the environmental violations connected with the Sustainable Development Plan and Phase A works at Akamas National Forest Park.

    Adding to the chorus of criticism, the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation has expressed its discontent with the Forestry Department’s announcement. They have labelled ongoing works as “incompatible and destructive” to the sensitive ecological system of the area, urging the department to heed compliance reports issued by the Environment Department instead of celebrating progress on unrelated matters.

  • Charity Drive for School Supplies Launched to Support Needy Children

    Charity Drive for School Supplies Launched to Support Needy Children

    The charity drive for school supplies has commenced, organised by the municipalities of Nicosia, Paphos, and Akamas, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on families preparing for the new academic year.

    Charity drive: Campaign Launch and Objectives

    Announced on Thursday, the campaigns seek to gather both new and used school essentials, responding to the escalating costs of educational materials. This initiative reflects a growing concern for families who often struggle to provide necessary items for their children as schools reopen.

    Community Participation Encouraged

    Residents are invited to contribute by donating school supplies in excellent condition, which include items such as backpacks, pencil cases, and stationery. These contributions will be instrumental in helping families who may otherwise find it challenging to afford these essentials.

    Focused Support for Vulnerable Families

    Marinos Lambrou, the Mayor of Akamas, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “There are approximately 15 families who receive coupons to purchase essential school supplies, and this initiative aims to address their financial burdens.” His remarks underscore the targeted support for families facing economic hardship.

    Continuing the Tradition of Giving

    This year’s campaign builds on previous efforts; Mariella Theophanous, chairwoman of Paphos’ social welfare committee, noted that last year’s initiative included the collection of used winter jackets. “A meeting will take place after the holidays to discuss support for primary students in need,” Theophanous confirmed, indicating a commitment to ongoing assistance for local families.

    Collection Details and Locations

    The charity drive began on Wednesday and will run until August 27, excluding weekends, with collection hours from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm. Various locations across Nicosia have been designated for donations:

    • Nicosia: Old Pallouriotissa market, 7 Agios Andreou Street, 1048.
    • Aglandjia: Former Aglandjia Town Hall, 8 Aikaterini Kornaro Street, 2108.
    • Engomi: 42 Kyriakou Matsi Avenue, 2409.
    • Ayios Dhometios: Former Youth Information Centre, 20 Ayios Georgios Street, 2369.
    • Within Nicosia walls: Nicosia Town Hall, 11 Eptanisou Street, 1016.

    These venues provide accessible drop-off points for community members eager to participate in the drive and support their fellow citizens.

    How to Get Involved

    For those wishing to contribute, the municipalities encourage donations of any usable school supplies. Interested parties can also reach out for further information by calling 22797000, ensuring that everyone can play a part in this meaningful cause.

    Significance of the Initiative

    This charity drive for school supplies is not just about material contributions; it represents a community coming together to support its most vulnerable members. As the new school year approaches, the pressures felt by families can be immense. Initiatives like these serve to lighten the load, ensuring that children start their academic journeys equipped not just with the necessary tools but also with the knowledge that their community cares.

    As participation grows, so too will the impact of this charitable effort, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community. The hope is that this drive will not only ease financial burdens but also foster a sense of solidarity and support among residents.

  • Forestry Department Faces Backlash Over Akamas Roadworks

    Forestry Department Faces Backlash Over Akamas Roadworks

    akamas roadworks — akamas roadworks — The forestry department’s handling of roadworks in the Akamas national forest park has drawn sharp criticism from several environmental organisations, who labelled its recent statements as ‘arrogant’ and ‘provocative’.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    On Wednesday, the forestry department expressed satisfaction with a report that sanctioned the resumption of roadworks, stating it felt both “satisfied and justified” about the re-evaluation process. This prompted a vehement response from groups including Terra Cypria, BirdLife Cyprus, Cyprus Wildlife Society, and Cyprus Natural Coastline, who issued a press release on Thursday detailing their concerns.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    According to the environment department, the green light for restarting the roadworks came on August 12, after the project had been stalled since October 2023 due to widespread criticism. The department assured the public that it had adhered to all environmental conditions necessary for the project’s continuation. However, environmental advocates have contested this claim, asserting that the forestry department has ignored significant violations of environmental regulations.

    In their statement, the environmental organisations pointed out that the forestry department had “violated a multitude of legally binding and essential conditions” of the environmental approval for both the sustainable development plan and the initial phase of road network improvements. They reminded the department that since the halt in construction, multiple parties—including independent experts and government bodies—have acknowledged these violations.

    “The arrogance and provocation that the forestry department continues to show is truly impressive,” the organisations stated, questioning the department’s confidence in its re-evaluation findings. They noted that other stakeholders, apart from the forestry department, have identified serious infringements, which raises concerns about the department’s self-assessment.

    Specific grievances include the demolition of support walls along protected areas, the removal of a critical water pipeline, and a comprehensive re-evaluation of water supply works that affect the region’s ecology. These actions have prompted calls for accountability from the environmental organisations, who urged the agriculture minister, Maria Panayiotou, to intervene and address what they termed an “unacceptable stance” from the forestry department.

    In a related development, the Cyprus Environmental Movement prepared a memorandum for President Nikos Christodoulides, highlighting the irreversible damage already inflicted on the Akamas environment. They expressed concerns about the ability of those responsible for the initial works to monitor compliance moving forward, calling for transparency regarding ongoing investigations into the matter.

    “Experience shows that environmental destruction, as witnessed in this case, cannot be restored,” the movement cautioned, pressing for the identification of those responsible for the ongoing environmental degradation. They demand public access to the findings of all administrative and disciplinary investigations related to the Akamas project.

    The environment department’s report earlier this month noted that measures would be implemented to minimise the environmental footprint of the roadworks in Akamas, with the first phase initially commencing in September 2022. However, the projects were paused in October 2023 due to backlash from environmental groups, leading to a cabinet-ordered reassessment in December 2023. A special ecological assessment was subsequently released in March 2024, focusing on the potential impacts of the roadworks on protected species and habitats.

    Despite the assurances from the forestry department, the environmental organisations remain sceptical about the future of the Akamas national forest park. They continue to advocate for accountability and transparency, urging the government to guarantee the protection of habitats and the environment, as well as the welfare of the local community.