Filenews 5 September 2023 - by Angelos Nikolaou
Five years after the submission of the relevant environmental studies that provided for the demolition of existing piers and breakwaters, the construction of new detached breakwaters and some piers, as well as the artificial replenishment of coasts and creeks, in an area of about 4 km. on the southwestern front of Cyprus, from the Paphos Municipal Baths in the west to the Phaethon Hotel in the south, the Environmental Authority issued a positive opinion.
The decision enables the two municipalities, Pafos and Geroskipou, to proceed with the construction of 14 detached breakwaters, while maintaining an existing breakwater, as well as 5 vertical overhangs that are proposed to be constructed at a total cost of approximately €13 million. The aim of the whole project is the development of the coastal zone, by protecting the coast from erosion and improving the quality of the beach, so that it is compatible with tourist uses and provides the necessary safe conditions for the use of the coast by bathers.
The Environmental Authority considers as very important the position of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research regarding the impact on marine habitats in Subareas 3 (hotel "Amphora Resort" to hotel "Louis Imperial Beach") and 4 (hotel "Louis Imperial Beach" to hotel "Louis Ledra Beach") and the Department of Antiquities regarding the impact on coastal and marine antiquities in Subareas 2 (hotel "Anabelle" to hotel "Amphora") Resort") and 6 (hotel "Louis Phaethon Beach") and their positive position on the projects as proposed in the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA).
The Environmental Authority takes serious account of the importance of the study area in marine environmental issues and the environmental impacts that may arise from the implementation of the proposed projects and proposes specific conditions. It is important to note that the proposed design, as submitted on 22/7/2022, will, in general, have the least impact on the areas of marine habitats 1,110 (sandwaves), 1,170 (reefs) and 1,120* (Posidonia meadows), compared to the design submitted to the EIA on 22/5/2018 and the initial design submitted to the MEEP on 9/4/2021.
Also, the Environmental Authority takes seriously into account the importance of the study area in matters of underwater / coastal antiquities and the environmental impacts that may arise from the implementation of all proposed projects. According to the design of the proposed projects as submitted to the EIA for the plan on 22/5/2018, in Sub-area 2 it was proposed to construct 6 detached breakwaters and maintain the existing breakwater.
In addition, it is emphasized that before the announcement of tenders and the subsequent commencement of construction works, it is important to carry out a more detailed underwater archaeological research in front of the hotels "Annabelle" and "Almyra" (Subarea 2) and in the cove next to the church of Agios Nikolaos, in front of the hotel "Constantinou Bros Pioneer Beach" (Subarea 5 and Subarea 6), by a scientific team specialized in maritime archaeology. according to the position of the Department of Antiquities. The survey must be completed before the call for tenders is issued. The results of this research should be submitted immediately to the Department of Antiquities, which should decide whether in its opinion there are significant ancient remains and whether the removal, cancellation, or construction of these works is required under special and specialized conditions that it will set. The decision of the Department of Antiquities to be immediately notified to the Environmental Authority.
With regard to Sub-area 6, the proposed design took due account of the developments of underwater and coastal excavations in front of the "Louis Phaethon Beach" hotel and therefore no project was proposed in this area.
Regarding the concerns expressed by members of the Environmental Impact Assessment Committee regarding the possible impact of the protected areas of the Natura 2000 network "Special Area of Conservation Moulia Sea Area" and "Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area of Kato Pafos Lighthouse", the issue was assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife Law. For this reason, a screening report was issued, which considered that the proposed projects will not adversely affect these Natura 2000 sites.
