Controversy Over Illegal Monastery Construction in Cyprus
In a recent statement, Cyprus’s Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou expressed his concerns over the ongoing illegal construction activities by the Constantia-Famagusta Bishopric in the Natura 2000 protected area of Cape Greco. Despite government warnings and a stop order, the church has continued with the building works, which are deemed “unacceptable” by Ioannou. The minister highlighted that if the situation persists, it could lead to a lengthy legal process involving the attorney-general’s office.
The local Ayia Napa municipality, which holds the authority to demolish the unauthorized structures, has been criticized for its inaction. Ioannou pointed out that the municipality “has done absolutely nothing about the matter,” disregarding pleas to intervene in the environmentally sensitive location.
Green Party leader Giorgos Perdikis has labeled the situation an “environmental scandal,” emphasizing the church’s responsibility in the illegal construction within a Natura 2000 site. Perdikis, aged 63, has reached out to Archbishop Georgios with a letter urging him to stop the construction activities by the bishopric. The environmental department had already conducted an inspection earlier in March and had instructed Famagusta planning authorities to halt the construction.
Perdikis also noted that this incident is not unique, referencing similar illegal constructions at the Osiou Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudi village. He has called upon the archbishop to ensure that all illegal constructions are demolished and that ecclesiastical authorities comply with proper licensing procedures. Furthermore, he insists that the Holy Synod should enforce strict adherence to legal requirements for construction projects, especially within Natura 2000 sites.
Adding to the controversy, Perdikis revealed that the church has been selling raffle tickets to fund the construction of the Ayios Ephraim and Ayia Aikaterini monastery, according to a post on social media platform X. Deputy environmental department director Elena Stylianopoulou has expressed that environmental assessments are complicated once construction has commenced, as any original fauna would have likely been displaced from the site.
Additionally, following a recent visit by the Game and Fauna Service, a €2,000 fine was imposed for habitat degradation and disturbance of wild fauna, adhering to legislation for the protection of wild birds. This development underscores the growing tension between conservation efforts and unauthorized development activities in Cyprus’s protected areas.
