Environment Commissioner: Enforce Laws for Protected Areas

Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou emphasized the need to respect and enforce laws and regulations for protected areas, such as those of nature, landscape, and archaeological sites. The statement was made in response to the placement of a platform and the holding of an event in a Natura 2000 Network area, near Lara-Toxeftra.

Ms. Theodosiou stressed the need for management decrees and timely intervention to prevent irreversible alterations to the natural and cultural heritage. She also referred to the effective implementation of the 7th Barcelona Protocol for the management of coastal zones in the Mediterranean, which provides for a distance of at least 100 meters from the winter sea line.

She expressed concern about the fragmentation of open space due to renovations and stressed that events should not be held in a way that the lighting affects the protected beaches, causing light pollution. She believes that people, antiquities, and nature can coexist in Akamas, respecting the restrictions and regulations.

The Commissioner also raised the issue of constructions in the area and the existence of the necessary environmental studies and permits from the ΕΟΑ.