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Tag: Terra Cypria

  • Illegal Earthworks Threaten Paphos Monk Seal Habitat

    Illegal Earthworks Threaten Paphos Monk Seal Habitat

    Environmental group Terra Cypria has raised alarms over illegal earthworks threatening monk seal habitats in the Akamas Peninsula. The organisation has lodged formal complaints with both the Interior and Agriculture ministers regarding extensive excavation, landfill, and levelling operations occurring in the Asprovikla area.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    These operations are situated on plots adjacent to Natura 2000 network sites and strictly protected zones, including the Peyia Sea Caves Natural Micro-Reserve and the Peyia Marine Protected Area. The sea caves serve as a vital breeding ground for the Mediterranean monk seal, the most endangered seal species globally, and the only type in the Mediterranean.

    Terra Cypria claims that the illegal works have been conducted outside urban development zones and within designated coastal protection areas, involving land not owned by any known local businessman. The organisation has formally requested confirmation from authorities on whether the necessary planning or building permits were obtained, and if required environmental assessments were conducted.

    The municipalities of Akamas and the Environment Department have also filed complaints and taken administrative action against the alleged offender. They have informed the Paphos District Local Government Organisation to pursue further action within its competencies.

    The complaints were initiated following a citizen report made on 26 August, which documented large-scale land-clearing activities within plots 411, 434, and 435 of Akamas Municipality in Paphos district. This report, supplemented by photographic and satellite evidence, highlights the severity of the situation.

    Terra Cypria emphasised that these activities are occurring outside designated development boundaries, specifically within the Coastal Protection Zone as outlined by national legislation. The operations are alarmingly close to two Natura 2000 zones: the Akamas Peninsula Special Area of Conservation (CY4000010) and the Akamas Peninsula Special Protection Area (CY4000023), as well as bordering the Peyia Sea Caves Natural Micro-Reserve and the Peyia Sea Caves Marine Protected Area, both of which are protected by decisions from the Council of Ministers.

    The organisation reminded officials that projects within or near protected areas must undergo strict environmental assessments and adhere to both national and European legislation. In cases of confirmed violations, Terra Cypria demands that immediate sanctions be imposed.

    Letters detailing these concerns were sent to various officials, including the Auditor General and the Environment Commissioner, as well as representatives from the Department of Town Planning, Land Registry, and the Paphos District Administration. Terra Cypria has requested written responses within a month, as mandated by environmental legislation. They insist that such illegal activities pose a significant threat to biodiversity, the natural landscape, and the rule of law, especially when conducted without the knowledge or approval of competent authorities.

  • 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.