Audit Office report highlights serious irregularities in Akamas National Forest Park works

The Cyprus Audit Office has issued a scathing special report regarding the planning and execution of construction projects at the Akamas National Forest Park, which began in October 2022. Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou highlighted systemic failures, noting that environmental impact assessments were conducted without establishing specific conservation goals. The report confirms that 17 out of 19 supplementary environmental conditions remain unfulfilled, with significant over-excavations and irreversible environmental damage recorded in areas such as the Lara circular road and the Aspros Potamos–Toxeftra trail. Additionally, hydraulic structures failed to protect endangered species, and project timelines saw major delays, with a €6.295 million contract only 17.67% complete after 94% of its duration had expired.

Due to these findings, the Audit Office is referring the report to the Attorney General to evaluate potential criminal or institutional liabilities. Meanwhile, the European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against the Republic of Cyprus for non-compliance with habitat protection directives. Government officials, including the Ministry of Agriculture, have stated they are reviewing the findings, though they maintain that initial assessments followed prevailing legislation at the time. The opposition AKEL party has criticized the government for mismanagement, calling for accountability for the waste of public funds and the damage caused to the protected area.