Filenews 12 August 2025 - by Angelos Nicolaou
One of the thorniest and most controversial cases of project management in an environmentally sensitive area is back in the spotlight today with the report of the Environmental Authority, which records the degree of compliance of part of the projects of phase A of the road network of the Akamas National Forest Park (EDP).
The Department of the Environment (IT) was called upon to manage a "hot potato" regarding the Phase A projects of the road network in Akamas, which started in September 2022 and were suspended in October 2023, with the intervention of President Christodoulides, amid reactions over their environmental impact.
The Council of Ministers, by its decision of 20 December 2023, gave a directive for a review of the projects. Since then, the Department of the Environment has proceeded with a re-evaluation and today published a new report on compliance with the 19 terms of the Supplementary Report of the Special Ecological Assessment (SSESS) issued in March 2024, based on recommendations from the Department of Forests (TD).
The new report contains recommendations for ensuring the environmental integrity of the area. At the same time, he gives answers about the "next day" to Akamas, avoiding the creation of false expectations for the next phases of the project.
The Environmental Authority recommends the creation of a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of environmental conditions and prepares a proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture. Also, with the participation of a specialized environmental auditor and documentation through photographs and daily recording, the Environment Department will monitor the implementation of the environmental conditions.
Term 1: Rainwater management from Peyia to Aspro Potamos
The chronic problem of rainwater runoff from the residential areas of Peyia that end up in the protected area of the White River, is being solved. The study, submitted in March 2025 by the Municipality of Akamas, was evaluated by the Water Development Department (TAY), resulting in the acceptance of "Solution B": rainwater channelling along the existing road and protection at the exit point with anti-corrosion interventions. The implementation will be carried out under the supervision of the competent departments (TAY, TP, TD).
Condition 2: Restoration of erosion due to rainwater
Although temporary repairs have been made to the erosion caused by the rainwater inflow, the final restoration is expected to result with the implementation of the measures included in the design study. The Department of the Environment calls for immediate implementation, with monitoring by the competent Departments.
Condition 3: Removal of retaining walls and securing slopes
The term provides for the abolition of all retaining walls and the degradation of the length of the road. However, both the Department of Forestry and the Department of Geological Survey consider it necessary to maintain certain walls for safety reasons. The Game Service proposes the creation of fauna passages in the places where the walls will remain. The removal of the rest will be done by mild methods, without affecting the geomorphs.
Condition 4: Demolition of walls in Toxeftra
In the area of the sandstone formations of Toxeftra, the complete demolition of the walls is preferred, with the exception of a small 30 cm kennel that will prevent parking and access. Marking and the use of natural materials, such as boulders, are recommended for additional protection. The works will be carried out under the supervision of the competent services and with controlled vibrations, in order to maintain the stability of the geoforms.
Condition 5: Prohibition of new walls
The plan provides for zero construction of new walls up to Lara, with the exception of two necessary walls on the Toxeftra – Avaka road. These are recommended by the Geological Survey Department to protect safety. The fauna passes will be implemented as agreed with the competent services.
Condition 6: Abolition of super-excavations using admixtures
The super-excavations have already been completed, making it unnecessary to add admixtures (e.g. lime or cement). The introduction of such materials, according to the Department of Forestry, may have a negative impact on the pH and quality of soil and groundwater.
Condition 7: Limitation of excavations to rocky background
The study has already been revised to ensure that the excavations are limited. The road surface will be constructed with cylindrical concrete, as approved in the design and environmental assessment phase.
Condition 8: 'Kennel' with reduced height
Despite the initial provision for a 30 cm high 'kennel'. On the road, a differentiation is now proposed: construction of 20 cm 'kennels' on the west side and 30 cm. in the east, where this is necessary. Local paving or filling with soil is also suggested to facilitate the movement of fauna, mainly small or young animals.
Condition 9: Construction of fauna passages
The points of placement of passages have already been indicated. On external walls, holes will be made every 15 meters, while on internal walls, holes will be constructed and natural materials will be placed to facilitate the fauna. Everything will be implemented based on approved design details.
Condition 10: Focus on the water supply hose
Particular emphasis is given to Clause 10, which concerns the water supply hose, which seems to have raised significant concerns. The evaluation of the Department of the Environment highlights the need for its removal and/or replacement with an alternative solution that does not affect the fauna or the aesthetics of the landscape.
The report records the position that the presence of the water supply hose in ecologically sensitive areas, without sufficient documentation of necessity or design, contradicts the conservation goals of the Akamas National Forest Park. It is proposed to integrate the water supply into an integrated design that takes into account the conditions of the area and the needs of wildlife.
Compliance with the first nine conditions of the Supplementary Report on Special Ecological Assessment was assessed by the Department of Environment as generally satisfactory, with points for further strengthening of monitoring and documentation.
Condition 11: Restoration of Natura 2000 habitats
After the completion of the works, the Department of Forestry is committed to the restoration of the affected habitats by sowing and planting of local species. The actions mainly target the habitats of Juniperus phoenicea, Pistacia lentiscus, Sarcopoterium spinosum and the olive and carob forests.
The Department of the Environment expects the restoration to be successful, provided that there is continuous monitoring and additional interventions where necessary.
Condition 12: Retaining walls: Preservation of only those that are absolutely necessary
The Department of Forestry recommends the construction of only two retaining walls on the Toxeftra – Avaka road, following a recommendation by the Geological Survey Department, for safety reasons. The walls have specific dimensions (180m and 467m length respectively) and aim to prevent rockfall and slope failure. The Department of the Environment accepts the documented necessity of the walls, deeming that the condition is fully satisfied.
Condition 13: Removal of Lipatis Road from Phase A
Most of the Lipatis road has been removed from the current phase of the project, as provided for by a relevant decision of the Council of Ministers. The Department of Forestry confirms compliance, with the final review of the department dependent on hydraulic studies in the Avaka area. The Department of the Environment finds full application of the term.
Condition 14: Re-evaluation of hydraulic works in Avakas for eels
The Water Development Department points out the need to prepare a comprehensive study for the hydraulic works in Avakas, especially at the "Toxeftra Bridge" point, in order to ensure the ecological continuity of the river and the movement of eels. The Environmental Authority points out that the results of the study should be implemented before the progress of the works in this section.
Condition 15: Submission of final amended plans
The Department of Forestry undertakes to submit the final construction plans to the Environmental Authority, after the finalization of the observations on the additional terms of the EDA. The Department of the Environment emphasizes the importance of this action to ensure the compatibility of the project with environmental legislation.
Condition 16: Submission of a Task Schedule
After the submission of the plans, the Department of Forestry will submit a new timetable for Phase A of the project, which will no longer include the Avaka – Lipati section. The Department of the Environment considers the timetable to be a crucial tool for monitoring the project and its smooth progress.
Condition 17: Closure of arbitrary accesses
The closure of all roads that do not fall under the approved planning of the National Forest Park is in progress. The Department of Forestry is implementing temporary measures (piles, grooves, embankments), while the complete blockade will be completed at the end of the works. The Department of the Environment notes the need to accelerate these actions.
Condition 18: Issuance of Natura 2000 Protection Decrees
The term provides for the issuance of protection decrees for the EZD and the Akamas SPA until October 2024. However, as it is established, this is not an action that falls under the responsibility of the project owner (Department of Forests), but is a procedure under the competence of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Environment. According to the Department of the Environment, the inclusion of the term in an EDA Report, is subsequently found not to be a beneficial practice.
Condition 19: Legislative framework for the Akamas EDP
The rules of operation of the National Forest Park have already been submitted for legal and technical control to the Legal Service, which has been completed. Their final signature remains by the competent Minister, so that the relevant framework can be implemented. The Department of the Environment finds full compliance with the condition.
The announcement of the Department of the Environment
After a comprehensive evaluation of all available data, the Department of the Environment, with its relevant Report, proceeded to findings regarding the implementation of the conditions set in the last Special Ecological Assessment Report (March 2024) and formulated specific observations for the start of the first phase of the works of the Akamas National Forest Park (EDP).
The above Report, after taking into account the positions of the Department of Forests and its researcher, the views of the competent Bodies, the expertise of Departments such as the Department of Geological Survey and the Department of Water Development, as well as the positions expressed in the context of the discussion of the issue in the Ad-hoc Committee on 16 April 2025, concludes the following conclusion:
Full compliance with the relevant conditions set by the Environmental Authority as well as with the relevant Decisions of the Council of Ministers can be achieved.
The reduction of the environmental footprint in the Akamas SPD contributes to this, a fact that is ensured by the launch of the next actions on the basis of the contribution and expertise of all the co-competent departments and bodies.
In order to ensure the faithful application of the relevant conditions, and on the basis of the instructions of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, in parallel with the implementation of the above actions, an appropriate mechanism for monitoring the environmental conditions will be established, under the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. In particular, an environmental auditor will be appointed, who will be on site on a daily basis and will submit to the environmental authority a report of events accompanied by photographic material.
