**Environmentalists Raise Concerns Over Prison Move to Natura 2000 Area**
Environmentalists are voicing significant concerns regarding the Cypriot government's plans to relocate the central prisons to Ayios Sozomenos, a site that falls within the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The Ecologists party issued a statement on Tuesday highlighting the potential ecological impact of the proposed site, urging the government to pause planning efforts until local authorities and residents can be adequately consulted.
The Natura 2000 network is a European Union initiative aimed at conserving natural habitats and species across member states. The Ecologists argue that Ayios Sozomenos, which has historical and archaeological significance, should not be treated as "no man's land" simply because it was abandoned by its Turkish Cypriot residents following intercommunal violence. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive environmental assessment to evaluate all factors before any decisions regarding the prison project are made.
The government's recent decision to shift the location of the new prison from Mathiatis to Ayios Sozomenos was reportedly motivated by considerations of cost and time efficiency. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris noted that the new site already has established infrastructure, including roads, water supply, electricity, and sewage systems, which would facilitate the construction process. The proposed facility is projected to cost approximately €300 million and is designed to accommodate up to 1,500 inmates, with construction slated to begin next year and expected completion within five years.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from neighboring municipalities, including South Nicosia-Idalion and Latsia-Yeri, which share borders with Ayios Sozomenos. Local officials have called for a reversal of the site selection, citing existing industrial and agricultural activities in the area, such as quarries, pig farms, and livestock waste treatment facilities. They also pointed out the presence of an Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) overhead power line and highlighted that the area is designated for livestock farming under the government's national rebuilding plan for the sector.
The political party Akel has also echoed the call for thorough studies and community consultation before proceeding with the project. They argue that the government's decision to change the proposed location lacked sufficient dialogue with the affected communities, raising concerns over the potential social and environmental implications of the prison's construction.
Ayios Sozomenos is located near the Green Line, the de facto border that divides the island. The village holds historical significance, featuring a Byzantine cave chapel, the unfinished Latin church of Saint Mamas, and remnants of homes left by its former Turkish Cypriot residents. The preservation of such sites, along with the ecological integrity of the surrounding area, is a priority for environmental advocates.
As discussions surrounding the prison relocation continue, the Ecologists have emphasized the importance of balancing development needs with environmental protection and community input. The situation reflects broader tensions in Cyprus regarding land use, historical preservation, and the impact of large-scale projects on local ecosystems and communities.
The government has yet to respond to the mounting concerns from environmentalists and local municipalities, but the call for a more inclusive planning process may shape the future of the prison project and its implications for Ayios Sozomenos and the surrounding areas.