Illegal works continue in Trozena’s Natura 2000 protected area

Environmental organisation Terra Cypria has reported ongoing violations in the abandoned village of Trozena, in the Limassol wine-producing villages area. According to the organisation, construction works are continuing despite the absence of the necessary permits and the territory’s location within a Natura 2000 protected area.

Following a recent visit to Trozena, Terra Cypria representatives said that construction works were being carried out both within and outside the area of the proposed project. The organisation claims that the illegal interventions are entirely located within the protected natural area.

Earlier, in May, during an inspection, specialists from the Limassol Local Government Organisation found that some of the works had been carried out without the necessary planning and building permits. They then demanded that the works be stopped immediately and that a comprehensive master plan for the development of the area be submitted.

After being approved by the Department of the Environment, this plan must be reviewed by the competent authorities before individual permits are issued.

Terra Cypria said that it had submitted reports to the environmental services from February to July but had received no response. The organisation once again called on the authorities to take the necessary measures in accordance with legislation on environmental impact assessment and the prevention of environmental damage.

The organisation also called on the Game and Fauna Service and the Limassol Local Government Organisation to take urgent action to monitor the situation.

The project is being planned by an investment company with Israeli participation. The development plans include the construction of around 60 homes, the reconstruction of some existing buildings, the construction of a campsite, winery and restaurant, as well as the restoration of part of the vineyards