Green groups add voices to Akamas concern

The Cabinet’s approval of a five point plan for the Akamas was slammed on Tuesday by environmentalists and the Friends of Akamas group.

In an announcement, the Federation of Environmental Organisations Cyprus (OPOK) said the decision in no way ensured the protection of the environment or the wellbeing of Akamas’ local communities.

In actuality, the proposal “excludes all private properties while it suggests preparing a new local plan to expand the urban development zones for constructing houses, summer homes and tourism developments,” OPOK said.

This will result in building developments even within the protected area “which will benefit a few large businessmen who have clear winnings to reap and ready plans for the area.”

On Monday Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis brushed off this notion.

Furthermore, measures to protect the environment which apply to private and state property will be put in place while a consultant will be hired to advise on the management of the park, the interior ministry will prepare a plan within 18 months for the whole Akamas area and previous Cabinet decisions will be re-evaluated.

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