Filenews 28 August 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
A serious complaint about illegal and large-scale earthworks in an environmentally sensitive area in Akamas is brought to light by the environmental organization Terra Cypria, in a letter to the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture. According to the complaint, the works are located in the Asprovikla area, in plots adjacent to areas of the Natura 2000 Network, as well as with strictly protected zones, such as the Natural Micro-Reserve Sea Caves of Peyia and the Marine Protected Area of Peyia.
Terra Cypria notes that these are extensive interventions, which include excavations, embankments and levelling in an area outside the urban development zone and within the beach protection zone. The interventions do not concern the property of a well-known businessman in the area.
The environmental organization formally requests to be informed if there is a planning and/or building permit for the works, if the required environmental assessment (Proper Assessment or Pre-Check) has been carried out and if the opinions of competent bodies such as the Environmental Authority, the Department of Forests, the Game Service and the Department of Fisheries have been requested.
According to information, both the Municipality of Akamas and the Department of the Environment have already proceeded with complaints and administrative actions against the alleged offender. At the same time, they informed the Paphos District Local Government Organization in order to take further actions within the framework of its responsibilities.
Terra Cypria calls on the State to implement the relevant legislation, both national and European, for the protection of areas of high environmental value, warning that inaction constitutes a threat to nature, the landscape and the rule of law.
According to the letter, which is accompanied by photographic and satellite material, on August 26, a named complaint was received from a citizen recording large-scale clearing, levelling an embankment in the Asproviklila area, within blocks 411, 434 and 435 of the Municipality of Akamas in the Paphos district.
Terra Cypria emphasizes that the works are carried out outside the defined development boundaries, within the Beach Protection Zone, as defined by the relevant law (Chapter 59), adjacent to or adjacent to two Natura 2000 zones: Akamas Peninsula Special Conservation Area (CY4000010), Akamas Peninsula Special Protection Area (CY4000023), as well as at the boundaries of two strictly protected areas: The Peyia Sea Caves Natural Micro-Reserve (KDP 211/2022) and the Marine Protected Area Area of Sea Caves of Peyia (KDP 98/2025).
Terra Cypria reminds that any projects in or near protected areas must be subject to strict environmental assessments and comply with national and European legislation, while in case of infringements, it asks for the immediate imposition of the foreseen sanctions.
The letter is addressed, among others, to the Auditor General of the Republic, the Commissioner for the Environment, as well as to executives of the Department of Urban Planning, the Land Registry, the Department of Forests, the Game Service, and the Deputy District Governor of Paphos.
Terra Cypria is requesting written responses within one month, as required by environmental legislation, warning that such activities threaten biodiversity, the natural landscape and the rule of law, especially when carried out without the knowledge or without the approval of the competent authorities.
