Limni Golf Project Threatens Turtles, Risks EU Fines
A golf development project at the vital Loggerhead turtle nesting grounds in Limni, Polis, got a license in defiance of all common sense and EU environmental laws, meaning that the Cyprus taxpayer will have to pay for the enormous fines that are sure to rain down on the island after the European Court of Justice rules against it.
The lights emanating from the 160-room hotel to be built by a syndicate led by Shacolas Group would disorient the baby turtles, says Friends of the Earth. The turtles will end up stranded on the land instead of navigating their way to the sea by the light of the moon.
This, in addition to the immense damage to the precious environment surrounding Limni, which is in a Natura protected area. The European Commission has already stated clearly that the project would flout EU laws. A warning that is being ignored.
Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis said that within the next two months, protection works would start in the Akamas and by June 2017, the state would begin construction on a new park.
Risk to the environment.
One can only ask the obvious question - given that everything is against a project like a golf club, why is it proceeding? The obvious possibility is that someone has accepted a bribe or is covering up a huge conflict of interest.
If you think this is over-stating the possibility, read about all the corruption scandals we have covered in the last three years alone:
Millions of Euros in bribes, overcharging in landfill corruption case.
Criminal investigation into 76.5 Million-Euro Helicopter deal, allegations of overcharging.
Second-in-command in state legal services on trial for accepting bribes.
Former CYTA chairman sentenced to eight years for bribes, corruption.
Former Paphos mayor convicted of accepting bribes, corruption.
Bus company providing services to public sector under investigation of corruption.
Former interior minister found guilty of money laundering, accepting bribes.
Employees at electricity authority investigated in purchasing scandal.
Recently, more and more stories are coming to light, and although it’s a painful process to expose our moral weaknesses, it’s also an opportunity to fix the problem and send a message to those who would destroy an entire economy and environment for their own personal gain.
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