21.02.2024
Cyprus, like many other countries, has seen the creation of many innovative positions in recent decades, including that of Environment Commissioner following the country’s accession to the European Union twenty years ago. This is good news because the environment is of paramount importance to all countries of the European Union, as well as to the rest of the world.
However, some government-appointed commissioners occasionally write letters to Brussels and other decision-making centers accusing Cyprus of violating the rules. This seems strange, given that there was a large investor in Cyprus who was going to invest about 200-300 million euros in the construction of two golf courses, hotels and other projects in one of the poorest regions of Cyprus, Polis Argaka. This was to provide jobs for local residents and, of course, help rebuild the Cypriot economy during these difficult times.
However, the development of this project “Limni” was suspended following a report by the then Commissioner due to turtle nests in the area. This is despite environmental plans prepared by international consultants indicating how the project could be implemented keeping in mind the care of turtles and the rest of the natural environment.
The same developer cleared the land of abandoned copper mines that used toxic and carcinogenic materials, and rainwater carried sediments into the sea and eventually changed the color of the seabed to dark red. The company filled the crater with waste and planted thousands of trees, improving the environment and making it safer for the population. However, the project stalled mainly due to environmental reasons.
Is the environment more important than opportunities for the unemployed, regional residents and farmers? Shouldn’t the local economy be considered in light of the serious impact on social and economic circumstances? Of course, it would be possible to find a middle ground between jobs and the economy on the one hand, and the environment. For those with secure jobs (especially in government), this issue is of little or no consequence, but what about the unemployed people in the area, especially the younger generation, low-wage workers and local farmers? Has anyone asked their opinion about these situations?
The environment exists to help people, not to oppose the main goals of the unemployed and the economy, especially in such difficult times.
The question now is, should commissioners who actively contribute to these problems (and whom we pay well) remain in office or should they be fired? A similar situation arose regarding the Anassa Hotel when the same people insisted on its demolition. Now this place has become a jet -set resort, often ranked and recognized as one of the best hotels in the world.
Do we want the poorest part of Cyprus to continue to be like this? In addition to the local economy (supplying agricultural products and traditional local products), the younger generation will also have a job, perhaps better paid, and instead of leaving the area, they will now have a reason to stay or even return. The same people objected to improvements in and around Athalassa Park, which has now become a green oasis for Nicosia, full of young people and families, especially those with young children.
It is necessary to learn to consider all aspects and consequences of refusing some types of development, including the impact on local employment and the economy.
So, are those who accuse any government of Cyprus of alleged misconduct misguided and ignoring what is best for their own country, or are they heroes trying to do things their own way, regardless of the outcome?
