The Akamas peninsula is at risk of degradation due to a perceived lack of political will from the government, according to the environmental group Friends of Akamas. In a recent statement following their general assembly, the organisation expressed deep concern that the absence of a clear policy direction towards declaring the area a national park of international standards could lead to its gradual destruction.
Friends of Akamas has been vocal about the pressing need for the government to safeguard this ecologically significant region. They highlighted that despite numerous calls from stakeholders, there has been no significant change in the current administration’s approach to protect the peninsula through a comprehensive and internationally recognised framework.
The group is advocating for a more robust planning framework that supports local communities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Akamas. They argue that without this framework, both the environment and the communities that depend on it will continue to suffer from unchecked development.
In their statement, the organisation also reiterated the call for the establishment of a deputy ministry of environment and climate change. They believe that such an institution is essential to regulate what they describe as “frenzied, uncontrolled and destructive development” in the region, which poses significant threats to local ecosystems and communities.
As Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, Friends of Akamas sees this as a crucial opportunity for the government to enhance its environmental record. They warned, however, that failing to address these pressing environmental concerns could result in infringement complaints from the European Commission.
The group stressed the importance of fundamentally reassessing the philosophy behind development projects in Akamas. They cautioned against squandering public resources and warned of irreversible damage to the peninsula’s unique environment. “Declaring the area a national park of international standards is the only way to ensure sustainable development for Akamas, its communities, and residents, while giving meaningful substance to their support,” they stated.
