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The need to re-evaluate the way the Sustainable Development Plan of Akamas National Forest Park (NDP) is implemented arises from the findings of the administrative investigation conducted on my instructions on the progress of the construction of part of the road network compared to the design of the approved Sustainable Development Plan. The findings of the survey, which was submitted yesterday, also establish the need to establish effective and comprehensive coordination of all plans, actions and measures planned for this sensitive area. It is also necessary to closely monitor all planned and implemented actions and measures with transparency and communication with all stakeholders.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is looking at this issue with transparency, responsibility and a comprehensive approach. Based on this approach, we announce the main findings of the administrative investigation, which are as follows. The Special Ecological Assessment (SEA) for the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Akamas National Forest Park was[/U] given on 28.07.2021 by the competent contracting authority, namely the Forestry Department, to the designers so that the construction plans are compatible with its terms.
b) The final construction plans were not presented by the competent authority before the ad-hoc committee, which evaluated the study of the Special Ecological Assessment concerning the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Akamas National Forest Park.
c) On 02.12.2021 the Department of Environment sent by email an informative/clarifying letter to the Cyprus Federation of Environmental Organizations (CECO) with notification to all members of the ad-hoc committee, in which information on the tender notice was provided, the environmental impact assessment procedures, as well as the EIA procedures in relation to the Main Road Network Improvement Phase A of the Akamas National Forest Park and the construction of 14 infrastructure management nodes in the Akamas National Forest Park. This letter referred to the link https:/eia.moa.gov.cy/public which included the Information Report submitted to the Environment Department by the Forestry Department regarding the project of improving part of the road network with the final construction plans.
The following important issues were further identified:
a) The Special Ecological Assessment for the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Akamas National Forest Park was prepared before the final construction plans for the improvement of the road network were completed. Therefore, it did not take into account the embankments and excavations and therefore the total land occupation from the construction of the road network. This makes it impossible to calculate the earthworks accurately in relation to the temporary impacts considered as part of a Special Ecological Assessment Study. As part of the ad-hoc committee meetings after the completion of the construction plans, an expert consultant could be invited by either the Contracting Authority or the relevant Environmental Authority to explain to its members the details of the construction plans, the potential extent of land loss and the disturbance that could be created.
b) Although the report of the Special Ecological Assessment, for the Sustainable Management Plan of Akama National Forest Park covers several aspects in strict terms, the Environmental Authority had the option, at the project level, to request a separate Assessment Study, to request an Environmental Impact Assessment Study or to approve the project after submitting an Information Report form. In this case, the Department of Environment proceeded with the Environmental Approval of the project on 02.12.2021, after submission of the Information Report form.
c) The Information Report form refers to the same land occupation as in the Special Ecological Assessment that preceded and evaluated which is not correct because the addition of slopes, shafts as well as earthworks varied the temporary environmental burden and possibly a full Environmental Impact Assessment and Special Ecological Assessment should have been prepared for the project.
d) The permanent presence of an Environmental Supervisor from the Department of Environment with Purchase of Services would be useful.
e) The Department of Forestry with a permanent presence at the works site and as the competent Department for projects within a Forest Area and the Contracting Authority, could intervene and require the phased completion of the works, as otherwise provided for in the construction contract. The final construction plans of Phase A for the improvement of the main road network of the Akamas National Forest Park have been divided into sections, and in the first 9 months of the contract to carry out works per section (a) Road 1A: White River - Toxetra - Lara, Road (b)2: Cyclic Lara and (c) Road 4B: Toxetra Avakas, while in the last 5 months of the contract the part of Road 4B: Avakas - Lipati.
f) The earthworks and other construction works in most of the Project were not phased to be completed on a section-by-section basis as stipulated in the Contract, resulting in greater disruption on a larger scale. In addition, as a result of the unjustifiably long delays no section of the road has been completed. Clearly, this is subject to risks of accidents as well as damage that may occur during bad weather conditions. This is also referred to in the supplementary report of the Special Ecological Assessment, in which the need for the work to be carried out in stages[/B], which was a condition of the contract, is mentioned, mainly for environmental reasons.
g) Improved cooperation between the relevant departments since any errors and omissions (monitoring team reports) could be avoided if the Forestry Department arranged meetings with the relevant departments to discuss and take action with joint responsibility for problems such as:-
- the lack of roadbed construction material from the quarries (crusher run),
- the absence of a Health and Safety Officer at the site despite repeated recommendations from the Forestry Department,
- inadequate signage and fencing at the site with a serious risk of accidents,
- delays and poor workmanship due to lack of staff and machinery.
h) During the review of the Special Ecological Assessment, experts could be utilized for proper review and decision making.
The findings of the administrative investigation will substantially assist in implementing two key priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment in relation to Akamas. The first priority is to restore the environment by removing work that should not have been done. Second priority is the completion of the works, in well-planned, careful and gradual steps, with transparency and always with the aim of protecting and effectively managing the area and the socio-economic development of the local community around the values of the area.
In addition, based on the conclusions of the administrative investigation it appears that, there are deviations, some issues are raised which will be further investigated as to whether the procedures followed were lawful.
On the basis of the instructions of the President of the Republic, I wish to assure that our main concern is the protection of the natural beauty of the area and that all projects will serve this inviolable principle. The successful implementation of all plans, actions and measures for the Akamas region, aimed at protecting the environment, while boosting the socio-economic development of the communities of Akamas, is a key priority of the Government.
(MG)
Tuesday, 5/12/2023
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