All systems go for Akamas state forest plan

The first of two phases in the government’s development of the Akamas state forest area has already begun, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said on Monday.

He explained that the cabinet was informed of the progress on the updated plan, which is termed sustainable development and is budgeted at €38 million.

Speaking from the presidential residence in Troodos, Kadis explained that offers for the improvement of the road network within the state forest were awarded ten days ago. Those works constitute the first phase and are set to be completed in 2023.

The second phase focuses on creating infrastructure to provide services to visitors and the tenders for these have already been announced, he said.

Kadis said that the nearby villages and communities are set to benefit greatly from the project as they will provide services to the many more visitors which the area will attract.

He noted that overnight stays and the like will not take place within the state forest, meaning they will have to stay in the surrounding villages instead. Kadis further argued that it will help prevent the trend of the villages being left behind and will instead boost their economies and development.

The minister reiterated that the development plan for the state forest is separate from the local development plan for which the interior ministry is responsible.

Kadis was asked about the ongoing criticism from the Ineia community, to which he said that the people must have a little more patience as further announcements are expected within the next month.

He recalled that Ineia had been pushing for tourist zoning permits which were not approved by the environment department – and could not have been, if permits are granted near Lara bay. Kadis said that together with the president they are looking at ways to compensate those in the community who had expected to benefit from developing their properties.

He sought to stress that once the final plans are made public it will finally resolve the issue once and for all in a positive manner, both for the protection of the environment and for the development of local communities.