The new infrastructure planned for Akamas National Forest Park has been reduced by about 700 square metres as part of a revised plan with a smaller environmental footprint, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis told the House Environment Committee on Wednesday.
The Director General of the Department of Environment, Costas Constantinou, said he hoped a tender for the park’s infrastructure would be launched during the first months of 2027.
The Minister was presenting the Government’s four main environmental priorities for the coming period: resilient forests and the prevention of natural disasters, resilient nature, a circular and competitive green economy, and the sustainable management of natural and mineral resources.
Senekis said cooperation with Parliament was an “essential prerequisite” for developing stable, evidence-based and implementable policies.
Akamas plans revised
Referring to the Akamas National Forest Park, Senekis said the Government had revised the existing plan with the aim of reducing its environmental footprint.
“We proceeded with the revision of the plan for Akamas National Forest Park with a smaller environmental footprint,” he said, adding that the new infrastructure would be reduced by approximately 700 square metres.
Constantinou later told MPs that he hoped the tender for the infrastructure would be announced in the first months of 2027.
The issue of Akamas was raised by several MPs during the committee meeting, with DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis describing it as a particularly difficult issue.
€25.5 million for forest protection
Senekis said a €25.5 million budget had been approved over three years as part of efforts to modernise the country’s forest protection system and strengthen its ability to respond to natural disasters.
He also said the Government was advancing a comprehensive viability study for the national network of waste management facilities. The study, expected to be completed in 2028, will guide planning for the 2029-2035 period.
Smaller Green Points are also being promoted in mountainous and remote areas, while State support for clean-up operations at illegal waste disposal sites has reached €2.22 million.
On the management of uncontrolled waste disposal sites, Senekis said Cyprus would have “closed a significant environmental chapter spanning decades” once the relevant works are completed, which he said was expected during the first quarter of 2028.
Waste management and pollution
Senekis acknowledged shortcomings in the planning of waste management facilities at Kosi and Pentakomo, telling MPs there had been a “failure in the planning” of the two facilities.
AKEL MP Nikos Kettieros called for comprehensive planning on waste management, which he described as developing into a “health bomb”, while also asking about the facilities at Kosi and Pentakomo.
The Minister said the State had a responsibility to provide flexible solutions for citizens.
He also warned that the Government would take a stricter approach towards those responsible for pollution.
“We must be strict and impose fines on those who pollute the beaches,” he said, adding that the Government’s stance towards offenders would become stricter.
AKEL MP Argentoula Ioannou called for the Department of Environment to put pressure on other competent authorities to address marine pollution in Limassol.
Climate and green transition
The Minister said Cyprus had conducted 142 emissions allowance auctions, generating net revenue of €109.04 million for the Republic.
Around 30% of the country’s territory has been included in the Natura 2000 network, he said. A total of 72 sites have been designated, including 39 Special Areas of Conservation and 33 Special Protection Areas for birds.
Senekis also said geological suitability maps were being prepared and studies were being launched for the development of a National Critical Raw Materials Strategy.
In fisheries and aquaculture, he said the Government’s objectives were to support incomes, strengthen competitiveness and maintain viable coastal communities.
Animal shelters and recycling
DISY MP Michalis Kounounis asked whether State funding for animal shelters would be increased.
Constantinou said the Ministry had a €1.5 million plan for 2024-2029 under which local authorities could submit funding proposals for the creation of animal shelters.
DISY MP Dimos Georgiades asked whether dog shelters were planned for the Larnaca and Paphos districts.
On the “Pay As You Throw” scheme, Constantinou said efforts were under way to resolve outstanding issues, stressing that progress would not be possible without the involvement of local authorities.
The Minister also said the Government was promoting measures aimed at reducing waste and strengthening recycling infrastructure, including the development of smaller Green Points in remote areas.
Four priorities for the coming period
Setting out the Government’s broader environmental agenda, Senekis identified four priorities: resilient forests and the prevention of natural disasters; resilient nature; a circular and competitive green economy; and the sustainable management of natural and mineral resources.
He said environmental protection was a central priority for the Government and directly concerned quality of life, public health, citizens’ safety and sustainable development.
“Policies are judged by their results and not by announcements,” he said, adding that “we still have a lot of work ahead of us”.
“With specific timetables, transparency and cooperation with Parliament, local government and society, we are moving forward with the implementation of policies that genuinely protect the environment and the natural wealth of our country,” Senekis said.
Source: CNA
