The issue of the licensing of the company TSA Crocopark (Israeli and Cypriot interests) for the creation of a multi-theme crocodile park within the borders of the refugee community of Achna will be referred to the Greek Calendars.
The plenary session of the Community Council, which met on Tuesday 13 February to discuss the whole issue, decided not to take any decision on the matter.
Instead, he threw the ball to the Famagusta District Administration, referring the matter to a wide-ranging meeting with the participation of all those involved.
The members of the Community Council of Achna decided unanimously to refer the matter to the District Administration of Famagusta and asked the Prefect Georgios Chrysafinis to convene a wide meeting with the company concerned and all those who express reactions on the issue, so that the .
The Community Council of Achna will convene after the wide meeting to make its final decision, while the convening of a nationwide assembly is not ruled out in order not to leave shadows for a possible positive decision of the council on the issue.
The plate in Achna leans towards "yes"
According to information, the Community Council of Achna seems to be in favor of the creation of the multi-theme park which will consist of 100-150 crocodiles, while it is expected, according to the supporters of the proposal, to be an important reference point for our country with significant economic benefits for the remote community. Nevertheless, the various reactions heard from environmental organizations discouraged the local authority from making a decision, referring the issue to "freezing".
According to Famagusta.News, the company TSA Crocopark had requested that the specific park operate in the community of Psematismenos, in the province of Larnaca, however the proposal was rejected due to strong reactions from the residents, who invoked reasons of public safety. Reports also indicate that attempts were made to create a similar park in various countries, such as Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey and Greece, with a negative response.
Regarding Achna, the area intended for the creation of the crocodile park is located on the old road Larnaca - Famagusta, in the area between the Forest of Achna and Vrysoullos, in territory controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.
A series of questions from MP Ch. Orphanides
MP Christos Orfanidis sent a letter to the Achna Community Council on Tuesday, February 13, listing a number of questions regarding the licensing and operation of the crocodile park, and consequently expressing his concerns about the whole issue.
Specifically in his letter Mr. Orphanides asks the following questions:
- In case of escape of crocodiles, the safety of the inhabitants in the nearby areas is immediately threatened, since it is quite close to residential areas.
- Huge quantities of water are needed for such a project and they are not available in Cyprus, while at the same time huge efforts are being made to find water for our agriculture and livestock.
- The existence of such a spectacular park in this area, poses risks to the health of residents and animals raised in the surrounding areas.
- The state health services do not have the necessary knowledge to deal with any form of bacteria that may reproduce.
- This particular animal carries its own mosquito and there is no appropriate know-how in Cyprus to treat any diseases caused by the bite of such a mosquito.
Concerns also from Terrra Cypria
The Cyprus Foundation for Environmental Protection "Terra Cypria" also expresses its concerns. In a letter on 2 February to the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, the Foundation states its negative position on the environmental reasons it has submitted to the Department of the Environment at the stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study.
Specifically, "Terra Cypria" expresses its disagreement with the licensing and operation of a multi-theme crocodile park in Cyprus, while listing the reasons for its concern which, among other things, state that in Cyprus there is not the required know-how to manage this species, there is no plan animal management in case the multi-theme park closes, while there does not seem to be any control over the incineration of dead animals.
Famagusta.News