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A meeting was held today, Friday 23 June 2023, between the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr. In the presence of the Director General and representatives of the Ministry, as well as representatives of the Department of Environment and the Department of Forests, for the promotion of the project for the construction of the Environmental Information Centre of the Larnaca Salt Lakes, on the site of the former leprosarium.
Mr. Xenophontos pointed out that this project is of strategic importance and agreed that its purpose is ensured by putting the entire area under study.
Mr. Xenophontos pointed out that this project is of strategic importance and agreed that its purpose is ensured by putting the entire area under study.
Mr. Xenophontos said that this project is of strategic importance and agreed that its purpose is ensured by putting the entire area under study. The protection and enhancement of the cultural and natural landscape is a basic principle in relation to our national strategies with multiplier benefits, and should be a pursuit of all authorities and Government Departments involved, since the project is to be implemented from European funds. He noted that, the overall planning approach to the site will contribute to the proper management of environmental threats and pressures which also falls under the responsibility of the State. Finally, he invited the competent Departments, in cooperation with the Municipality of Larnaca, to define the phases and timetables for the implementation of the project, which will be supervised by the Ministry. In addition to its environmental value, the site of the former leprosarium is an important historical and cultural aspect of the city and the overall design will bring about significant dynamics as a system of environmental interpretation where participation, recreation and awareness-raising of citizens and visitors will be provided.
Vyras said that, in recent years, most of the buildings of the old settlement have been demolished and asbestos and other building and trashy materials that encumbered the area have been removed. However, the environment remains unorganized and dangerous for visitors. Within the area there is the important chapel of Agios Charalambos, which is an ancient monument, but due to its introversion, the area is often visited for illegal dumping of bazaars/junk materials and arson, a phenomenon which, despite all the efforts of the competent authorities, cannot be eliminated.
It was noted that the area of the former leprosarium covers an area of 58,000sqm and that it is state forest land which falls entirely within the Natura 2000 protection zone. Therefore, the development and management of the site is governed by the provisions of the Management Plan of the Natura 2000 network "Larnaca Salt Flats".
In the framework of the meeting it was agreed that the Municipality will immediately proceed with the mapping of the area and the Department of Environment will proceed with the preparation of the terms for the call for tenders for the preparation of a Comprehensive Environmental Study, the provisions of which will determine the basic principles and terms of the Architectural Tender, the announcement of which is expected around mid-2024.
The Environmental Information Centre will have as its main objective the promotion of the ecological and environmental character of the area, the implementation of educational programmes for different groups of visitors and the display of exhibits on ecological/environmental and cultural elements.
The Mayor of Larnaca expressed his thanks to the Minister of Agriculture and confirmed that both the Municipality of Larnaca and its Services will cooperate with the relevant Departments of the Ministry for the implementation of this very important project for the city of Larnaca.
(MΓ)
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