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The Council of Ministers approved a proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Petros Xenophontos, for changes concerning the implementation of the projects of the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) of the Akamas National Forest Park.
The SAA of the Akamas National Park was approved in its final form in 2021 and is a continuation of the Management Plan of the Natura 2000 Network area approved in 2016. Its ultimate goal is to protect and conserve the natural environment, create social and economic benefits for local communities and, finally, improve the visitor experience. Within the framework of the implementation of the Aqama RAP, the Forestry Department had started in 2021 the improvement of the road network - Phase A which includes the roads a) Aspros - Lara, b) Lara Cycle and c) Toxeutra - Avakas - Lipati. The works started in November 2022 with an implementation period of 14 months, according to the studies completed and approved by the Department of Public Works, aiming to improve the road with the least possible impact on the habitats and species designated in the Natura 2000 network area.
Considering the long and unjustified delay in the implementation of the works with the risk of increasing and extending the environmental burden, the need to complete the road network within the existing open construction site as soon as possible to reverse the impacts created by the untimely completion of the works or possible large-scale works in the public interest and for the safety of travelling citizens, as well as the wider strong feeling of society for the protection of the Akamas and the Confirmation that the framework and philosophy of the creation of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park does not change and will continue to be implemented.
b) The review, by June 2024, of projects related to the road network as well as projects related to the Management Infrastructure Nodes and the Entrances and Exits of the National Forest Park.
b) The review, by June 2024, of projects related to the road network as well as projects related to the Management Infrastructure Nodes and the Entrances and Exits of the National Forest Park.
c) The transfer of the implementation of the contracts for the National Forest Park from the Forestry Department to the General Directorate of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MAFRD).
d) The continuation of the existing Contract, after some of its elements have been evaluated and varied accordingly and in accordance with the legal procedures.
e) The preparation of a new proposal by the MDA by mid-February 2024, which will regulate and include the following:
i. (i) "The procedure for the transfer of credits to the Directorate General for the Environment in accordance with the framework governing Co-financed Projects, since the project is included in the "THALIA 2021-2027" programme. Transfer all approvals to the Ministry of Public Works and secure any new ones that may be required as soon as possible. For this purpose, all necessary procedures will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the General Directorate of Development, the Directorate of Control (Intermediate Body) and any other party involved.
ii. Review and reassessment of the proposed road network of all phases and the part of the Toxetra - Abakas - Lipati road (from the point where the contractor's work has stopped) by a team of experts including a representative of the ETEK to be invited by the Ministry of Public Works. The review will include, among other things, the characteristics of the cross-sections and roadways for softer driving within the forest park.
iii. Timetable for restarting and completing work at the existing construction site (Road 1A: White River - Toxetra - Lara, 2: Lara Cycle).
iv. Proposed restoration of habitats affected by the construction works together with any compensatory measures or actions to be taken within a specified timeframe.
v. Proposals with the additional staff required to implement the project smoothly, with secondments from the relevant departments of the MDA.
vi. Preparation of a timetable for the implementation of all phases of the projects. Where necessary, it is understood that the procedures for reassessment of environmental characteristics in accordance with the laws will be followed with time prioritization by the Environmental Authority.
vii. Establishment of a Project Team and recruitment of a Project Coordinator to be nominated by ETEK, with the participation of officials from the relevant Departments of the MoEAP.
viii. The continuation and completion of the administrative investigation by 15 January 2024.
ix. The need to amend any Legislation.
(Mg)
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