A major housing project planned in Engomi, backed by the Kykkos monastery, on Monday sparked strong opposition from the Green Party.

The movement argues that the development threatens one of the last traditional olive groves in the capital and calls for its cancellation on environmental and urban planning grounds.

Meanwhile, the Holy Synod has approved the request from Kykkos monastery to develop land near the Metochi of Agios Prokopios.

Green Party leader George Perdikis urged Archbishop Georgios on March 20 to reconsider the project. The letter, which was also forwarded to the head of the House environment committee and the commissioner for the environment, highlights concerns over the destruction of natural heritage.

The party warns that the project will see vast areas of land covered in concrete and asphalt, exacerbating the urban heat island effect at a time when climate change is already impacting cities.

It also claims that the current master plan includes only fragmented strips of greenery, designed more for decoration than for genuine environmental benefit.

Despite efforts to engage in public consultations and propose meaningful green space integration, the Greens say their suggestions have been ignored. They are now calling for the creation of a landmark public park with easy access from Grivas Digenis avenue. This would preserve the centuries-old olive trees and maintain the historical legacy of the Kykkos monastery’s grove.

“The development of a city should not come at the cost of its natural and historical character,” the movement stated.

“Without respect for the past, there is no real progress, only loss.”