Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Costas Kadis visited today the Akamas Peninsula and inspected the progress of the road network improvement works within the Akamas National Forest Park.
During the visit, Mr. Kadis also observed the demolition and removal of illegal shacks in the "White River" area, at the southern entrance of the National Park.
Both the demolition and removal of these shacks, which have been operating illegally in the area for many years, and the improvement of the road network, are expected to contribute significantly to the further protection of the peninsula's natural environment and the implementation of the government's plans for the operation of a model Forest Park in Akamas, which will enhance the experience of the thousands of visitors who arrive there every year and bring significant benefits to the surrounding communities.
Towards this end, the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas RDP envisages 14 environmentally friendly visitor facilitation hubs and specific interventions in the road network. These interventions mainly include works to improve the forest road network connecting the main points of the Park, with a length of 58.7 Km, and the roads linking the neighbouring communities with the entrances to the Akamas National Park, with a length of 27.45 Km. It is stressed that no road, either on the primary or secondary road network, will be paved and that apart from the right of access, no development rights will be granted due to the proximity of properties to the road network under improvement.
The Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Park provides that by 2028, the Park will be a national model for the effective management of protected areas in Cyprus. In Akamas, the long-term conservation of biodiversity, natural heritage and associated cultural values will be ensured by incorporating sustainable development as the primary means of achieving the protection, conservation and enhancement objectives of the area. In the context of the Natura 2000 network provisions, the implementation of the Plan will provide significant benefits to neighbouring communities and provide a unique, enhanced experience for visitors to the Park.
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