**Androlykou Quarry Approved Amid Environmental Concerns**
The approval of a new quarry near Androlykou has stirred controversy, as it coincides with Environment Commissioner Elias Myrianthous's commitment to preserving the natural environment of the Polis Chrysochous area. The decision was made on Monday, following discussions between Myrianthous and Polis Mayor Yiotis Papachristofi regarding environmental protection and significant development projects in the region.
During their meeting, Myrianthous expressed his vision for Polis, stating that it should become “an ornament not only of Cyprus but of the whole of Europe.” However, on the same day, the environmental authority sanctioned the establishment of a new quarry outside the existing Androlykou quarry zone, which has raised concerns among environmental groups.
The approved quarry site spans 49,727 square meters and is located just 120 meters from the Natura 2000 protected area of the Akamas Peninsula. The project, which involves the extraction of 900,000 cubic meters of limestone, is expected to yield approximately 720,000 cubic meters of recoverable material. The operation is projected to last between 2.5 to three years and aims to meet the aggregate material needs of the Paphos district.
The application for the quarry was submitted by Gennadios Theologou & Sons Ltd and Poullas Tsadiotis Ltd, both of which are already active in the Androlykou quarry zone. Myrianthous emphasized the necessity of balancing regional development with environmental protection, aiming to create conditions that encourage young people to remain in the area.
The municipality of Polis has also expressed support for several major infrastructure projects, including the proposed Latchi port and the Paphos to Polis highway. Mayor Papachristofi highlighted the importance of advancing development while respecting the environmental significance of the region.
Despite the local government’s backing, the quarry proposal has faced significant opposition from environmental organizations. Critics have voiced concerns over the potential loss of natural habitats and trees, with the environmental federation condemning the project. Terra Cypria has called for the exclusion of areas containing natural vegetation, while BirdLife Cyprus has raised alarms about the quarry's impact on local wildlife, particularly the European Roller and various birds of prey.
An assessment conducted by the environment department in July 2026 revealed that 31 percent of the proposed quarry site had already been altered by human activity, while 69 percent remained comprised of natural vegetation, limestone formations, and cultivated land. The assessment concluded that the quarry's impacts would primarily be local and temporary, contingent upon adherence to strict environmental conditions.
Notably, the site is home to 20 specimens of an endemic Cyprus orchid, which is protected under EU law and classified as vulnerable in the country's Red Data Book of Flora. In response to this finding, the environmental authority has mandated that the locations of these plants be demarcated and safeguarded.
To mitigate potential environmental impacts, the quarry's operational conditions include a prohibition on blasting and excavation from March to June, as well as requirements for dust suppression, low-noise drilling, progressive restoration and replanting, restricted vehicle routes, and a ban on heavy vehicle movements during nighttime hours.
As the quarry project moves forward, the balance between development and environmental preservation remains a contentious issue in the region, with ongoing debates expected as stakeholders continue to voice their concerns. The future of the Androlykou quarry will likely serve as a litmus test for how Cyprus navigates the complexities of economic growth and environmental stewardship in the years to come.