akamas resort — BirdLife Cyprus has hailed the rejection of a proposed 69-villa resort near Toxeftra beach in Akamas, viewing it as a significant victory for the area’s delicate ecosystem. The Environment Department’s recent decision is a testament to the importance of protecting this environmentally sensitive region.
Akamas resort: Environmental Assessment Highlights Risks
The Environment Department issued a negative Special Ecological Assessment (SEA) last week concerning the proposed development, which would have included a reception building and a sewage treatment facility on plots exceeding 100,000 square metres in Pegeia. BirdLife Cyprus participated in the project review process as a member of the ad-hoc committee, emphasising the ecological significance of the Lara-Toxeftra area.
Significance of the Akamas Region
The Akamas Peninsula is recognised for its rich biodiversity and has been protected under national legislation since 1989. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding two species of sea turtles, Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas. BirdLife Cyprus has expressed concerns that the proposed resort could have led to serious ecological risks, including light and noise pollution that would adversely impact the nesting behaviours of these protected species.
Concerns Raised by Environmental Experts
The SEA confirmed that the proposed project would result in significant direct and cumulative impacts on the sensitive environment of the Akamas Peninsula, particularly within and near Natura 2000 areas. The development’s proximity to the “Special Area of Conservation Akamas Peninsula” and the “Special Protection Area Akamas Peninsula” raised alarms among environmental experts.
Unanimous Decision Against Development
A committee that assessed the SEA included experts from various departments, such as the Environment, Forests, and Fisheries and Marine Research Departments, as well as representatives from environmental organisations like BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, and the Cyprus Federation of Environmental Organisations. This committee unanimously concluded that the project could not proceed without causing substantial damage to the conservation objectives of these Natura areas.
Potential Irreversible Environmental Impacts
The SEA report documented potential irreversible impacts that could arise from both the construction and operational phases of the resort. Concerns included habitat loss due to vegetation clearing, which occurred prior to the planning application, and an increased human presence that would further intensify environmental stress on the region.
International Recognition of the Area
The Lara-Toxeftra area was included in the international SPAMI list of the Barcelona Convention in 2013, highlighting its Mediterranean and European ecological importance. This recognition underscores the need for strict protection of the area against developments that threaten its unique wildlife and habitats.
Community Support for Conservation Efforts
BirdLife Cyprus has received strong support from the community and various stakeholders who recognise the need to preserve the Akamas region. The organisation’s success in rallying public opinion against the resort development showcases the collective commitment to environmental conservation.
Looking Ahead
The rejection of the Akamas resort proposal marks a pivotal moment for environmental advocacy in Cyprus. BirdLife Cyprus emphasises that the decision reinforces the importance of utilising scientific evidence in environmental decision-making. As the organisation looks to the future, it remains committed to protecting the delicate ecosystems within the Akamas Peninsula and ensuring that any future developments align with conservation goals.
