Regarding an article published on the website "philenews", dated 17/12/2022, entitled "Environmental Crime in Paphos", the Department of Environment, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and the Game and Wildlife Service, wish to jointly note the following.
[*]The publication contains inaccuracies in relation to the evaluation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA) for the project "Protection and improvement of the southwestern coast of the Municipalities of Paphos and Geroskipou" and possible impacts on the "Moulia-CY4000006 Marine Site" of the "Natura 2000" Network. [*]The reference made in the publication regarding the impact and degradation of the natural habitats and species of the Moulia Marine Protected Area (MPA) does not correspond to reality. The Moulia SPA is located approximately one kilometre away from the proposed works and towards the open sea and not in the coastal/coastal zone where the project in question will be implemented. In addition to the long distance, the large water depth (approximately 15 metres) interferes. Under these circumstances, no significant environmental impact on the "Moulia" area is expected from the construction and operation of the breakwaters. [*]Regarding the issue of seabirds, it is clarified that a special research study is currently being carried out, which will be completed around the middle of 2023, which will provide a comprehensive picture of the wider area. Although from the preliminary results, it appears that the Moulin islet may be important for seabirds, it is noted that the closest distance of the works to this islet is approximately 1400 m. Therefore, no negative impacts are expected in terms of avifauna. [*]In formulating its position, the Environmental Authority has taken into account and evaluated the information submitted, the additional data, the views of the members of the Commission of the departments concerned, the local authorities, as well as the spatial and environmental data of the site. The above position took into account the prohibition of the placement and construction of breakwaters and breakwaters and jetties in or near the Special Area of Conservation "Marine Area Birds-CY4000006" of the "Natura 2000" Network.
The position of the Environmental Authority and a summary note of the Departments' positions on the project are detailed in the Environmental Approval, which is posted on the Department of Environment's website.
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