AKEL's concerns about Akamas have been confirmed, the party said in a statement following yesterday's debate in Parliament on the Akamas local plan and the possible impacts of this urban planning project. Unfortunately, it says, our concerns have not been allayed, on the contrary, they have been confirmed.
"The Environment Department itself confirmed that despite the improvements that may exist in the revised local plan, they continue to be concerned about the cumulative impacts which will be very difficult to address. These views are scientifically substantiated by the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment Committee (SEA) in which public departments and bodies participate. This view is shared by environmental organisations in their statements, as well as by agencies such as the Thera Service."
He adds that the scattered development promoted through visitable farms, small industries and other projects will have the greatest impact on Akamas.
"We stand by the Environment Department's position that the protection of the Akama is non-negotiable and no discount will be given in terms of its protection and management."
AKEL, it says, will support all efforts in this direction, because the Akamas peninsula is unique and must be treated as such.
At the same time, it continues, "our position has been and remains that the state must use tools such as land exchange, the transfer of development rights and the payment of compensation, so that land owners and especially the communities in the area are safeguarded. The above proposals of AKEL have been tabled since 2010."
He finally called on the government to stop the process of drafting this local plan and find a solution that respects the principles of sustainability, the unique environment of Akamas and the communities.
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