Cyprus government moves forward with revised Akamas National Forest Park development plan

Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis announced that the government has approved revised construction plans for the first phase of the Akamas National Forest Park project. The updated strategy involves reducing the number of service hubs from 14 to eight, a decision intended to minimize the project's environmental footprint following concerns over potential ecological damage and previous mismanagement.

The project timeline has been set, with the government planning to launch a new tender for Phase A before the end of 2026. Construction is expected to commence in early 2027, with the official goal of completing this phase by February 2028. This announcement was made during a session of the Parliamentary Audit Committee, which reviewed a special report from the Audit Office highlighting issues including inadequate supervision and illegal developments within the protected area.

While the government moves to restart the project, the situation remains contentious. The Legal Service is currently investigating whether the Audit Office's findings constitute criminal offenses. Additionally, stakeholders continue to debate the impact of prolonged work suspensions on local communities, alongside ongoing reports of continued illegal activity within the park, such as the unauthorized reconstruction of buildings destroyed by fire.