in-cyprus 17 February 2020 -Edited by Bouli Hadjioannou
A citizens’ initiative group in Paphos has launched an online petition to protest the destruction of the natural environment in the town.
The petition highlights the cutting down of trees in Evi Maliotou park which it says is only the latest in a series of negative developments, including the decision to allow the construction of a new church in the municipal gardens, the cutting down of 50 trees in the Universal area, construction of a cafe at the Sodap beach and the cutting down of trees at Pembes park.
It said the last incident with the mass cutting down of trees at the Evi Maliotou park was the final straw, with the town’s already beleaguered natural environment apparently coming under assault from the municipality itself.
It said that in the majority of cases, the initiative rests with Mayor Phedon Phedonos, while the municipal council has not reacted.
“Any attempt to better the town is much desired but in no case should this be at the expense of the sparse vegetation that remains in this cement city,” it said.
At a time when there is global mobilisation to protect the environment, Paphos appears to be moving in the opposite direction, it added..
The petition notes that Paphos Municipality has in recent days been reported by the Forestry Department for cutting down trees illegally.
