Filenews 29 January 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The parliamentary Committee on the Environment once again focused on the much-discussed issue of the management of the protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, with the implementation of the projects in Akamas causing intense discussions, mutual blame and a clear warning from the Audit Office about the regime of lawlessness that seems to be consolidating.
The director of the Department of Forests, Savvas Ezekiel, presented yesterday the revised strategy for the projects in Akamas, which is now based on five central pillars: Improvement of the road network: With an emphasis on safety and respect for the natural character. Park Guard: Immediate strengthening of surveillance. Operating rules: Establish clear frameworks for visitors. Recreation and information infrastructure: Creation of service points. Declaration of natural reserves: Strengthening the legal protection regime.
Regarding the road network, Mr. Ezekiel underlined that the upgrading of the road network is being implemented in three distinct phases with a view to safety, functionality and preservation of the natural character of the area.
He clarified that Phase A, which mainly concerns public roads outside the state forest, is heading for implementation, with the proposal for the paving of the roads expected in mid-March.
The amendments to the plans will take three months, with the aim of starting work in September.
Phase B, which will also support forest vehicles, is scheduled for the end of 2027. "The Department of Forests is not responsible for everything, but for what falls within the forest boundaries," Mr. Ezekiel underlined, responding to criticism of the scope of his responsibilities.
With particularly strict language, the representative of the Audit Office, Akis Kikas, referred to a management audit for the projects in Akamas, which is in the final stage and is expected to be issued in March. The meeting highlighted the absence of conservation objectives and the failure to issue ordinances for many Natura sites.
"The state sees illegalities taking place and no one is doing anything to correct it," said Mr. Kikas, noting that even among government departments there is confusion about who has the authority to intervene.
Reference was made to recorded illegalities from 2014 that remain pending, while the need for legislative regulations that will close the holes in the system was emphasized.
Environmental organizations and the Environment Commissioner expressed their strong concern about the delay in issuing protection decrees, recalling that we are already in 2026 and the EU deadlines have long passed.
