ENVIRONMENTAL authorities have pulled the plug on plans to build a golf course in the resort town of Ayia Napa over habitat encroachment.
The €140 million project includes an 18-hole golf course which was set to be built in areas designated as Natura 2000, the network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union.
The proposed project concerns the construction and operation of a golf course and related infrastructure in the protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network of Cape Greco, including touristic developments (a five-star hotel and villas) adjacent to it.
After evaluating the project plans, the Environmental Department found that the construction and operation of a golf course within the protected area and related tourist developments will have significant, negative and irreversible effects on the conservation objectives, consistency, structure and operation of habitats of the Natura 2000, SCI and SPA areas, CPE Greco.
The department found that the construction of the golf course in the Natura 2000 will lead to the loss of 7.5% of the local bio habitat.
In addition, the department found that the project will bring about noise pollution, lead to the loss and fragmentation of the habitats used by a number of bird species, especially endemic, for nesting, feeding and resting.
The impact is mainly due to the nature and size of the project, which is entirely located within the protected area, an area of wild natural vegetation (mainly invisible), thus adversely affecting the natural environment and wildlife.
It is noted that the study will be reviewed by the Environmental Authority and at a meeting with Paralimni and Ayia Napa mayors on Wednesday
The consortium behind the project is made up of local hoteliers known as Ayia Napa Forest Golf Ltd. According to the consortium’s plans, construction was set to begin in 2019 with the first phase to be completed in 2021.
The first phase includes the construction of the golf course, a clubhouse, tourism and commercial development and 100 villas.
A second phase is to include another 188 villas and a five-star hotel and is planned to commence in 2021-22 and will take five years to complete.
Excuse for saying but when I purchased my property in 2009,
My lawyer mentioned that Paralimni was having a golf coarse built.
What ever happened to that project,?
No mention of Ayia Napa having a golf course.
It was mentioned of a new marina at Ayia Napa though and that was 10 years ago and that’s well under way.
Ed: The golf course at Ayia Napa is (or was) a joint venture of 36 hoteliers and Paralimni and Ayia Napa municipalities. There were no plans to build a course at Paralimni.
With Nil Golf Course facilities in this area of ROC will continue to have a negative effect in attracting the so called luxury yachts in to Ayia Thekla Marina with only sub standard facilities not even a driving range or pitch/putt to be seen.
At least the Environmental Authorities are showing some compassion to the adverse impact to the environment, local wild life, birds which is something positive to hear if that is really the case.
Very good news.
@ Ed; thanks for sharing.