Newly appointed Environment Commissioner Elias Myrianthos met Akamas mayor Marinos Lambrou on Friday to discuss regional environmental issues, including the stalled Akamas National Forest Park project.

“Personally, and due to my origin from Paphos, my sensitivity for the long-standing problems of Paphos surrounding the area of ​​competence of the environmental commissioner is a top priority,” he said, stressing that this did not undermine priorities set for other provinces.

Myrianthos said that he aimed to visit communities and municipalities, as well as social organisations and NGOs to gain an understanding of ongoing issues and contribute where necessary.

“In the meetings that will follow with mayors and bodies of other regions, they will be discussed and they will also get on a path to solving the problems there,” he said.

Asked about his priorities as a commissioner he assured that the protection of the environment and sustainable development were among the top priorities, while also stressing the need to address concerns regarding animal welfare.

“This is also one of the topics of discussion with the various bodies that I will have meetings with,” he said.

Lambrou said the municipality’s main concern remained the Akamas national forest park project, which has been stalled for almost two years.

“We want it to begin, as the ministry’s own studies have recommended. We support the government departments and our goal is for work to start immediately without any further delay,” he said.