Pafos Live 19 March 2024
Following the Decision of the Council of Ministers dated 20/12/2023 and subject: "Changes concerning the implementation of the projects of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park (NFP)", the proposal for the regulation and planning of the changes was submitted today to the Council of Ministers.
Of the decisions taken today, the following are noted:
1. Following the opinion of the Legal Service explaining why this and future Contracts concerning the implementation of forest and woodland development projects in the Republic cannot be transferred or assigned from the Department of Forests to the General Directorate of Environment (DG), the Contracts concerning the Akamas NFP remain with the Department of Forests, subject to the establishment of a mechanism for strict environmental and technical monitoring and increased supervisory control.
2. For the implementation of this mechanism, a Project Team (ER) is established. The OC will be headed by a Civil Engineer who will have the role of Project Coordinator and who will be seconded to the DG from the Department of Public Works. The role of the OC will be supervisory and advisory, while a Steering Committee (JU) is appointed for decision-making.
3. It is decided to adopt measures for the immediate resumption of works for the safe movement of users on the route under construction. This work should be completed on the basis of legal procedures, within a short period of time and in accordance with the terms of the existing Convention for Phase A, which concern the regulation of visitor movement and the protection of species and habitats.
4. It is decided to promote the necessary actions for the implementation of measures to improve the environmental footprint of the project concerning Phase A of the Akamas SAR Road Network, on the basis of the supplementary Special Ecological Assessment Report issued on 11.3.2024, with the contribution of Special Experts, and on road construction issues.
5. Start of habitat restoration works after the end of the construction works related to Phase A. The restoration will be done for the affected habitats and emphasis will be placed on the habitats that are protected in the area.
6. Continuation of the re-evaluation process for the next three months, for the infrastructure of the Management Infrastructure Nodes and the remaining projects and functions of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park.
7. Preparation of a new proposal and return of the issue to the Council of Ministers in June 2024, which, among other things, will include a final realistic work schedule for the remaining projects of the Akamas NFP, without unnecessary and further delays.
Finally, it is re-emphasized that any actions and decisions taken are within the framework and philosophy of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park. The aim of the Government remains the promotion of the unique environmental wealth of Akamas, the protection of nature and sustainable development.
