Cyprus Environment Commissioner Urges Stop to Akamas Road Expansion Over Ecological Concerns

Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou has formally requested that the Baths of Aphrodite-Fontana Amorosa roadwork project in Akamas be immediately halted and that its environmental approval be withdrawn. She cites violations of legal and ecological regulations, warning that the ongoing works risk irreversible damage to protected coastal and forest ecosystems. The commissioner highlights that the approved road design exceeds previous ecological assessment limits, with widening operations surpassing the previously allowed 300-meter threshold. She also notes that coastal protection requirements were inadequately studied, potentially placing Cyprus at risk of breaching the Barcelona Protocol. Governance issues were raised due to the forestry department acting both as project promoter and as part of the ecological assessment committee, creating potential conflicts of interest. Environmental groups, including Friends of Akamas, have echoed calls to revoke approval, arguing the project increases vehicle access and undermines conservation commitments. Authorities counter that the roadworks are necessary for firefighting access and public safety, emphasizing that environmental safeguards are maintained. The commissioner and advocacy groups stress that uncontrolled vehicle access could disrupt sensitive habitats, alter the coastal landscape, and increase fire risk, urging stricter adherence to the Natura 2000 conservation requirements and sustainable access measures.