Letter to the President, H.E. Mr Glafcos Clerides
H E. Mr Glafcos Clerides
President
Presidential Palace
Nicosia
Cyprus
28 March 2000-05-29
Your Excellency
Our organisation, which is strictly non-political, has been concerned about the deterioration of the environment in Cyprus for many years. The negative effect of many major tourist developments on the present and future quality of life on the island has been severe. Among others we have witnessed the unbridled development of Ayia Napa and the problems it has produced which are shaming Cyprus worldwide. We are continuously hearing our English friends, who have been the backbone of the tourist industry in Cyprus, complaining about the ruination of its environment and the concrete jungles we are creating. Many of these are now choosing to go to countries which are developing their tourist industry with more sensitivity towards their environment. Some are choosing to go to the occupied north of Cyprus, accepting the illegal regime’s claim that is where the ‘’real’’ Cyprus is to be found.
We are particularly upset and deeply disappointed at your Government’s decision to ignore the recommendations of the World Bank Report on the future of the Akamas Peninsular and in effect to open it to the exploitation of the developers. We find the special treatment of the Fontana Amorosa Company’s land particularly offensive, not only because it is more favourable than the treatment of the property of the inhabitants of the area but also because laws and regulations are being changed for the benefit of a private company to the great detriment of present and future generations of Cypriots. Moreover, the position of this land is such that if development is allowed, together with the necessary roads which will have to be constructed and the extra heavy traffic which will be necessary to support the services it will need, it will totally ruin what is left of the only unsoiled area we have left in the unoccupied area. We further note that while you thought it important to mention a number of small measures you are proposing to take, there is no mention of the designation of the area into a National Park.
Like the “up-market” tourists you claim to want, we are beginning to wonder whether we should continue to invest our hard earned savings in Cyprus and whether there will be a recognisable Cyprus left if, or when, we decide to return to spend our twilight years there.
We urge you to reconsider your decision and to adopt the World Bank Report which strikes a fair and sensible balance between the needs of present and future generations.
Yours sincerely
Andreas Christodoulou
Chairman
Cc: Mr C. Themistocleous, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment.
Mr N. Rolandis, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism
Mr T. Klerides, Minister of Finance
Mr C. Christodoulou, Minister of the Interior.