akamas protection — akamas protection — Environmental organisations have gathered to demand the protection of Akamas, with protests taking place on Saturday morning in Agios Georgios Pegeias against alleged violations in protected areas in both Pegeia and Akamas.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Akamas protection: Gathering of Activists
Representatives from various groups, including the Greens Movement, Greens Youth, Ecological Movement of Cyprus, Friends of the Earth, the Centre for Social Innovation, and Reset – Research and Education in Social Empowerment and Transformation, attended the demonstration. The event aimed to highlight concerns over the environmental integrity of Akamas and surrounding areas.
Voices of Protest
Protesters displayed a range of signs with slogans such as “Save Akamas,” “After the sea caves, Akamas is next,” “Concrete is not development,” and “Protect our natural monuments.” These messages underscored their commitment to preserving the natural environment and a refusal to tolerate any illegal activities.
Statements from Organisers
Andreas Evlavis, Coordinator of the Limassol-Paphos branches of the Greens Movement, addressed the gathering, stating that the protest aimed to inform the public that “something is not right regarding the protection of Akamas.” He emphasised the need for radical decisions to safeguard the area, referencing the controversy surrounding backfilling at the sea caves and criticising justifications that he believes are being made post-factum. Evlavis pointed out the conflicting messages from the Environment Department and Akamas Municipality, urging them to clarify their stance on the protection of both the sea caves and Akamas.
Call for Accountability
Stamatis Papavasileiou, Secretary-General of the central council of the Greens Movement Youth, echoed Evlavis’s concerns, stating that the situation in Akamas had “gotten out of hand beyond all limits.” He described a growing sense of impunity regarding environmental violations and called for accountability and an end to what he termed “lawlessness.”
Police Presence and Community Action
Throughout the protest, there was a discreet police presence monitoring the activities. Following the demonstration, the environmental organisations engaged in a clean-up campaign at Lara Beach, further emphasising their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ongoing Environmental Concerns
The Akamas region is known for its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, making it a focal point for conservation efforts. However, recent developments have raised alarms among environmentalists and local communities. The combination of alleged violations in protected areas and increasing construction activities poses a threat to the ecological balance of the region.
Community Involvement
The protest not only brought together various environmental organisations but also engaged local residents who share concerns over the future of Akamas. Many community members expressed their frustration over what they see as inadequate protection measures and a lack of transparency from authorities. The involvement of local activists highlights the grassroots nature of the movement to protect this vital area.
Looking Ahead
As the protests continue, the future of Akamas hangs in the balance. The activists are determined to keep the pressure on decision-makers to take concrete actions that prioritise environmental protection over short-term development gains. With the public increasingly aware of the issues at hand, the hope is that collective efforts will lead to meaningful change.
