Environmental Concerns Over Illegal Monastery Construction in Cape Greco
The ongoing saga of the illegal monastery construction in the Cape Greco area of Ayia Napa has prompted a response from the Cypriot government, which has been described as “very soft” by local officials. The House environment committee, led by Greens MP Charalambos Theopemptou, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation following a briefing by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
Theopemptou emphasized the committee’s expectation for more decisive action, particularly concerning the demolition of the unauthorized structure. He highlighted the existing tensions between Cyprus and the European Union due to infringements in Natura 2000 sites, which are designated as environmentally protected areas.
Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias echoed these concerns, stating unequivocally that “No one is above the law, certainly not the church.” Kafkalias reiterated his party’s commitment to environmental protection, criticizing the “full-frontal attack on the environment by illegal developments.”
Minister Panayiotou reaffirmed the government’s stance on rectifying illegalities and mitigating any environmental harm caused. She informed that a demolition order was issued by the urban planning department on March 29, alongside an order from the environment department for a demolition plan. However, these actions were temporarily stalled due to an appeal by the church.
Despite this appeal, Panayiotou assured that demolition regulations would be discussed at an upcoming ad hoc committee meeting. In a related development, it was revealed that architects and engineers involved in the monastery’s construction would face a disciplinary board.
The European Commission’s recent decision to refer Cyprus to the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) for failing to comply with the Habitats Directive underscores the seriousness of the situation. The directive is crucial for safeguarding numerous species across the EU, and Cyprus’s non-compliance has raised significant concern among environmentalists and EU officials alike.
