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August 2009 The Cyprus Mining Authorities (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment - Mines Service) have authorized the extension of the quarrying rights into an area of the Akamas Peninsula near the village of Androlykou. This area is well within the proposed "Natura 2000", "Environmental Akamas Protection Project" ("Natura 2000" is an ecological network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union). In 2004 a similar request for expansion of the vast existing limestone quarry was rejected on the basis of a government environmental impact report which stated that the area was too ecologically sensitive to allow for such quarrying activity. Now (2009) that decision has been reversed for reasons unknown! The Akamas Peninsula is the most south-eastern "National Park" area of the European Union and is the habitat of many endemic and rare species of wild fauna and flora. Beyond that the region contains several spectacular limestone gorges and caves (See pictures) which provide special habitats for both flora and fauna and certainly contain unexplored paleontological sites. The caves in these gorges are also the roosting sites for an internationally protected species of bat, and the gorges provide a habitat for wild goats, unique in Cyprus. It is one of these gorges which is currently under serious threat from the current expansion of quarrying activity, now extending to very edge of the Androlykou Gorge. In addition to the threatened impacts on the regional flora, fauna and morphology, the nearby village of Androlykou is now subject to increasing environmental damage resulting from blasting, dust, heavy vehicular traffic (on narrow roads), and disruption of services and access. We are requesting all people willing to take action and petition for a cessation of this detrimental quarrying activity to contact all or any of the following persons or organisations making their concerns known.
Thank you.
Cyprus Tourism Organisation: Email: directorgeneral@visitcyprus.com District Administration - Paphos (District Officer: Andreas Christodoulides Email: achristodoulides@pafda.moi.gov.cy Department of Antiquities: Email: antiquitiesdept@da.mcw.gov.cy E.U. Commisioner for the Environment: Email: stavros.dimas@cec.eu.int Forestry Department. Parks and Environment. Email: nature@fd.moa.gov.cy Ministry of Agriculture, Natural resources and Environment: Email: registry@moa.gov.cy The Mines Service: Email: minesinfo@mines.moa.gov.cy The Presidentcy: Email: info@presidency.gov.cy
This site last updated: 11.9.2009 |