Department of Forests launches new tender for Akamas park infrastructure

The Department of Forests in Cyprus has initiated a new architectural tender to redesign visitor infrastructure within the Akamas National Forest Park. This initiative aims to address previous management shortcomings by reducing the number of planned information and recreation hubs. While a 2021 proposal included 14 such locations, the revised plan limits these to six key points: Aspros Potamos, Avakas, South Bay of Lara, Baths of Aphrodite, Smigies, and Fontana Amorosa. Note: While some sources indicate the new plan features six hubs, others suggest the number could be eight, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the project scope.

The tender, which is open for bids until September 25, 2026, emphasizes environmental sustainability and minimal visual impact. The Council of Ministers has mandated that new structures must be modular, prefabricated, and reversible to protect sensitive ecosystems. The project is designed to organize visitor flow, provide necessary services like parking and information, and ensure safety. This move follows a period of suspension caused by public and stakeholder criticism regarding the original design. The current process will involve a contractor team of architects and engineers tasked with creating a unified design language that adheres to strict environmental constraints agreed upon with NGOs and various stakeholders.