**Title: Akamas ‘Remains an Open Construction Site,’ Says Former Environment Commissioner Theodosiou**
**Date: [Insert Date]**
Former Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou has voiced her concerns regarding the state of environmental policy in Cyprus and the ongoing challenges facing the Akamas region. In a recent interview with StockWatch, Theodosiou described her departure from the commissioner role as "sudden" and expressed her disappointment over the delays in addressing critical environmental issues.
Theodosiou, who served for two and a half years, stated that she had no prior indication of her replacement during the recent government reshuffle led by President Nikos Christodoulides. “I had no suspicion; my departure was sudden, as was my appointment,” she remarked. Despite her unexpected exit, Theodosiou expressed gratitude to Christodoulides for selecting her based on her scientific expertise rather than political affiliations.
Throughout her tenure, Theodosiou's office received nearly ten complaints daily, highlighting a range of environmental concerns. These complaints included issues such as tree cutting, uncontrolled waste dumping, interventions in forest areas, and irregularities involving beaches. The former commissioner noted that approximately 90 percent of these complaints were justified. However, she emphasized that the advisory nature of her role limited the office's ability to enforce action on matters requiring political decisions.
“I had no intervention from the government in the issues I was promoting,” Theodosiou stated. “However, when it comes to issues that require political decisions, they are all at an early stage or have not even started yet.” This sentiment reflects her frustration with the slow progress in implementing effective environmental policies.
A significant focus of Theodosiou's critique was the handling of the Akamas region, which she described as being in a “disastrous state of limbo.” She argued that Akamas should be regarded as a comprehensive natural, cultural, and social area that includes surrounding communities, rather than merely a protected landscape. “Today we are faced with an open construction site,” she asserted, underscoring the urgent need for improved management and protection of the area.
Theodosiou criticized the ongoing reliance on studies and consultations, advocating for a more proactive approach that integrates environmental protection with sustainable development. She proposed the establishment of a deputy ministry dedicated to climate change and sustainable development, arguing that existing environmental structures lack the capacity to effectively plan and implement necessary policies.
Her removal from the commissioner position has sparked strong disappointment and concern among environmental organizations, which view her departure as a significant loss of expertise in the field. In the wake of her exit, the government appointed former Edek MP Elias Myrianthous as her successor.
As Cyprus continues to grapple with environmental challenges, Theodosiou’s insights highlight the pressing need for decisive action and comprehensive strategies to safeguard the nation’s natural resources, particularly in sensitive areas like Akamas. The ongoing dialogue surrounding environmental policy and management in Cyprus will likely remain a focal point for both the government and advocacy groups in the months to come.