CONCERNS over the EU’s Natura 2000 conservation project are beginning to reach remote villages in the north such as Kormakitis, where residents worry they will be unable to develop their land.
During a visit on Sunday by Greek and Turkish Cypriot environmentalists, along with EU representative in Cyprus Androulla Kaminara, Kormakitis’ Maronite residents were addressed at a public meeting.
The EU Commission had also arranged for them to meet with the Natura 2000 project leader, Jan Seffer, who briefed them about the developments of the EU environmental initiative.
“We talked about the environment in the north, and how parts need to be included in the Natura 2000 project, to protect them from over building,” said Greek Cypriot Agyris Ioannou, president of the European Environmental Movement
“They wanted to talk about the Natura 2000 project, and they have similar problems and concerns as the ones we have with the Akamas region in Paphos. They asked a lot of questions, but didn’t seem very satisfied with the answers,” said Ioannou.
He said one young man told him that the villagers felt that if they were unable to develop their land, they would be financially unable to stay there because “all they can do (then) is grow vegetables”.
“He told me that there are mixed marriages happening every day, and that in ten years he fears the Maronites will have been wiped out,” said Ioannou. He said he advised them to form a committee to protect their rights as citizens, as the villagers in the Akamas had done.
“I informed him that the committee could then discuss the matter with the European Commission, and perhaps swap their land for a similar setting in another area, so they will be able to make a living.” But the man insisted officials wouldn’t listen. Ioannou pressed him to try.
“He agreed in the end that a committee would be a good idea, and also to try to work with the European Commission. But they are only at the beginning of this process; I think it will take about ten years or so,” he said of the Natura 2000 project.
Ioannou said Sunday’s visit had been his first to the north since the crossings opened in 2003.
“I felt an overwhelming empathy for the Cypriot people. Cyprus shouldn’t be divided into two; it’s a small island, and to go from one side to the other, which although beautiful, is 50 years behind, was very sad. It’s a shame, it should never have happened, and we must do all we can to reunite the island,” he said. “We have to look to the future now and work together, the two communities side by side.”
Following a recent visit to Brussels, along with 24 presidents of different green organisations in Cyprus, strong ties have been forged across the divide.
The group of 10 Turkish Cypriots and 15 Greek Cypriots who attended the Brussels meet, found they had a lot in common and discussed numerous issues concerning the island.
“We wanted to continue with what we had accomplished during the trip, and put our efforts into protecting the environment here in Cyprus,” Ioannou said. The decision to meet in Kormakitis had been passed unanimously as the area is of particular environmental significance, he said.
“We walked around Kormakitis, which is beautiful, and lush and green, and we visited areas of outstanding beauty,” said Ioannou. “The sea is crystal clear, and although I saw a lot of building, I didn’t see any visitors.”
Kormakitis is the historical centre of the Maronite Church in Cyprus and prior to 1974, the village had around 1,000 inhabitants. There are only a small number left today. They speak a unique Arabic dialect and are members of one of the Syriac Eastern Catholic Church, whose heritage stretches the back to the fifth century.
The environmental party was also surprised to see Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmat Ali Talat, jogging along the road surrounded by his security guards. “He didn’t stop to talk to us, but he waved,” Ioannou said, “I was told he has a villa in the area.”
