The Cypriot Environment Ministry has rejected two applications to build photovoltaic parks in the Pahna area of Limassol, with a capacity of 2.6 MW and 1.11 MW respectively.
The main reason for the rejection was that the projects did not meet environmental criteria relating to the preservation of the flora and fauna of the area.
According to the authority, the photovoltaic parks were to be built on agricultural land of high natural value, characterised by a mosaic structure: alternating fields, traditional pastures, rural landscape elements and biodiversity areas. These areas provide habitats for valuable species of wild flora and fauna, including rare and protected plants, shrubs and trees.
The projects involved extensive removal of green areas. In particular, around 350 trees and shrubs were removed, including carob, olive and almond trees and shrubs. This could have resulted in the disappearance of traditional agricultural crops of high natural and cultural value to Cyprus.
The environmental statement stated that the preservation of traditional trees in such areas is a priority, as they play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems. The authority emphasised that the proposals for an agro-energy park with grain and aloe cultivation would not compensate for the environmental losses associated with the felling of trees. On the contrary, it would lead to the degradation of the natural environment, the destruction of habitats and the loss of agricultural areas of exceptional ecological importance.
Special attention was also paid to the context of the recent fire that broke out on 24 June 2024 in the administrative boundaries of the municipalities of Anogira and Prastio Avdimu. At that time, the elements destroyed 150 hectares of natural area. The removal of more vegetation in the vicinity of this area will only aggravate the situation and prevent the ecosystems from recovering.
A key factor in this decision was the reasoned objections of the members of the Environmental Impact Assessment Commission, as well as the position of the Hunting and Fauna Service, which highlighted the importance of protecting the habitats of rare birds of prey, including the Red Book Hawk Eagle and the White-headed Siskin.
Following recent directives from the Ministry of the Interior, the Cyprus Department of the Environment concluded that the construction of photovoltaic parks in such areas is unacceptable as it does not meet environmental requirements and biodiversity protection objectives.