Filenews 23 September 2025
BirdLife Cyprus today sent open letters to the Departments of Urban Planning and Housing and Environment, asking for answers to the questions that arise about the licensing process and conditions of the port in Pentakomo.
According to the organization's announcement, the letters point out large discrepancies in the quantities of materials between the Environmental Opinion and the government tender documents, "which means that the project was evaluated with incorrect data, which misleads about its real needs and impacts."
At the same time, it is emphasized that the inclusion of the "Agios Georgios Alamanou" area in the Natura 2000 Network is delayed, which "leaves a critical area without the necessary institutional protection".
BirdLife Cyprus also warns of a possible "salami-slicing" of the environmental assessment, as asphalting of the road leading to the port is planned, a project that was not included in the initial assessment.
In addition, there is talk of possible non-compliance with the terms of the Town Planning Approval: "The Town Planning Department had set conditions for the warehouses to remain in the minimum number and to consider their consolidation, in order to minimize visual pollution on the white rocks of the area. However, the construction drawings of the tender show eight distinct buildings, which raises serious questions about the compliance of the project," it is noted.
The Director of BirdLife Cyprus, Melpo Apostolidou, underlined: "The Pentakomo case highlights serious weaknesses in the way environmental assessments are carried out and project permits are issued in Cyprus. From the huge discrepancies in the construction materials of the project to the possible non-compliance with the conditions set, it is clear that citizens have the right to know the truth and demand transparency and accountability."
CNA
