The Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou, expressed concern about the current administrative structure of the Akamas Peninsula after the reform of Local Government, noting that the current clustering makes it difficult to rationally and effectively manage the peninsula as a single natural, cultural and social whole.
According to an announcement from her office, Ms. Theodosiou was speaking on Thursday at the Green Agenda Cyprus Summit 2026, in a discussion dedicated to Akamas.
In the discussion, Ms. Theodosiou described the boundaries of the Akamas peninsula as an area of about 22,744 hectares, from the administrative boundaries of Pegeia to Neo Chorio. He pointed out that about 45% of the land area and 7,851 hectares of marine area have been included in the Natura 2000 network.
Referring to the ecological importance of the area, the Commissioner said that Akamas is one of the most important areas of Cyprus in terms of species of flora and fauna – including marine species – and habitats. He made special reference to species included in the annexes of the relevant European Directives, sea turtles, the Mediterranean monk seal, as well as the importance of the area for migratory bird species. He underlined, however, that the value of Akamas is not limited to nature, but also extends to the people and culture that developed in the area.
The discussion focused on the projects within the Akamas National Forest Park and, in particular, on the issue of roads that remain unfinished. Answering the question why the works stopped, Ms. Theodosiou explained that the implementation of Phase A of a network of main roads had begun, noting, however, that the design of the roads and the related hydraulic works does not find her in agreement. He clarified, however, that this was not the reason why the projects were stopped.
As he mentioned, the projects were stopped because pointless excavations, widened widths and other constructions were found, which are not compatible with the physiognomy and functions of the species. He expressed the view that there is still a need for any redesign to be examined within the relevant committee, in order to ensure that it will comply with the specifications and conditions that have been set.
For the consultation with residents and local authorities, the Commissioner recalled the period 2012-2017, when as Project Manager a "bottom-up" process was initiated and the Akamas Peninsula Sustainable Development Plan was formulated, which was adopted by the Akamas Management Committee.
Regarding gorges and quarry zones, he pointed out the need to preserve the gorges, the non-expansion of existing quarry zones and the avoidance of the creation of new quarry areas, underlining that these areas are an integral part of the natural heritage of Akamas.
Referring to the Sustainable Development Plan, she said that it included 23 thematic axes of measures with a preliminary budget of €30 million and a proposal for the creation of a company with the participation of local authorities to promote the projects. Ms. Theodosiou estimated that, if the implementation of the Plan had been completed, Akamas would present a different picture today with better management and conditions of mild development for residents and small entrepreneurs.
The Commissioner expressed renewed concern about the current administrative structure following the reform of Local Government. He stressed that the fact that the administrative boundaries of Pegeia, Kathikas, Pano and Kato Arodes, Ineia, Drouseia, Pittokopou, Fasli, Androlikou and Neo Chorio include a percentage of land within the Natura 2000 nature protection areas. He said that the current way of clustering makes it difficult for the rational and effective management of the Peninsula as a single natural, cultural and social whole.
