There are serious issues of public safety and health as well as the allocation of quantities of water for the purposes of the crocodile theme park in the midst of drought and restrictions, it was found in the Environment Committee of the Parliament which today discussed the possible negative environmental effects of the park Αχνας.
The crocodiles can be infected with the West Nile virus and transmit the disease to mosquitoes which in turn can transmit it to humans, Maria Koliou, Head of the Infection Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health, told the Commission today. Dr. Koliou also noted that people over the age of 50, with chronic health problems, have an increased risk of becoming infected and developing encephalitis.
Dr. Koliou along with other representatives of government departments, the Achna Community Council, a representative of TSA Crocopark Ltd, agricultural organizations, various environmental organizations, representatives of residents and others attended the meeting of the Environment Committee to discuss the issue of public debate in recent days. .
Almost all the participants in the meeting were against the intention to create the park, proposing their concerns that focus mainly on health and safety and the fact that the park will pump 80 tons of water per day for the needs of crocodiles. It was also mentioned that Cyprus does not have any know-how and expertise to deal with issues related to the operation of the park.
Dr. Koliou said that Cyprus in relation to the surrounding countries in the region (Israel, Greece, etc.) had only one such incident and thus is considered a safe destination for tourists. He also said that if there are incidents, these will be mainly in August.
In addition, Dr. Karagiannis, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Cyprus, told the Commission that the virus could be tested before the crocodiles arrived in Cyprus and that they were negative and then that an animal could be infected. If we bring an infected animal, he said characteristically, then we open the Pandora's box. He also spoke about the dangers due to the proximity of the park to the fence of Achna.
In the discussion in the Committee, it was also emphasized by the Commissioner of Environment, that there is a decree in force, dated 30 June 2017, which states, among other things, that the import of crocodiles is not allowed, something that was opposed by the Veterinary Services with Director Christodoulos Pipi to state that the import is prohibited for marketing or breeding purposes and that in this case there is an intention to create a theme park only.
All the agricultural organizations (PEK, EKA, Nea Agrotiki, Panagrotikos and Evroagrotikos) opposed the creation of the park, emphasizing that it is not possible to impose restrictions on farmers for water for irrigation purposes and at the same time the park to operate wants 80 tons of water per day. It was typically mentioned that every glass of water less to farmers, is essentially a deprivation of income. They also talked about the change of the ecosystem of Cyprus.
At the beginning of the discussion, which lasted more than three hours, the owner of Tsa Croco Park Ltd stated that the company has not yet submitted an application for the creation of the park and that all this time various things have been said against the company and it has been tarnished. as she claimed, her name. He did not seem to share the concerns about the risks of infection with the virus and clarified that the creation of the park will stimulate the remote community and will develop tourism in the area.
The President of the Community Council, Nikos Vassilas, wondered why some people do not want a discussion on the issue and not to hear the views of the Council, typically saying to the Members of Parliament "did we forbid you to discuss the ELA?". He said the council had accepted the proposal to set up a theme park aimed at tourism and boosting the community's income. "I do not care if the crocodiles will be tortured, or if they will have water or not, or if the town planning will not approve it because it has no road," he said.
Moreover, in statements after the meeting and answering a question, Mr. Vassilas said that if the competent services clearly say that there is a health issue for the residents, then in this case, the Community Council will change its position.
The District of Famagusta stated before the Commission that the nationwide meeting took place in order to describe to the residents the operating framework of the theme park and to express opinions. Representatives of both the Department of Urban Planning and the Department of Water told the Commission that no application had been submitted by the owner company for the creation of a theme park and therefore no water concessions, demarcations or anything else had been considered.
On the part of residents, both Maria Souroulla and Tina Mitsidou, inside and outside Parliament, expressed strong concerns about the intention to create a park, noting that safety and health issues are raised and that there is a decree in force to ban the import of crocodiles. It was specifically mentioned by both that in such a park in Israel 70 crocodiles had escaped in the past and that at the same time reckless use of water will be made in a period of drought, water shortage problems and decision for reduced quantities to the farmers.
It was also reported that residents and their children could not wake up and sleep for fear of being bitten by a mosquito that could carry the Nile virus due to crocodile infection.
The President of the Party for Animals Kyriakos Kyriakou in a statement after the Commission stated that the authorities should take into account the study for the creation of the so-called Eco Zoo and not the creation of a crocodile park where the animals will be trapped.
Reactions of Members of Parliament
Within the Commission, its President Adamos Adamou requested that it be clarified that no competent government department has so far received an application from the company for the creation of the park. However, due to the fact that some parts had been placed at the pan-community meeting in Achna, the minutes were requested for study. He also clarified that others will make the decisions on whether the park will work in the end and not the Parliament.
He also said that there is experience from the past where applications were rejected but companies are trying to succeed in other ways. He added that how the community itself was positioned is the most important.
George Karoullas of DISY stated that any development must be done with full respect for the environment and taking into account concerns about safety and public health. He said that if the proposal finally takes shape, it must require studies so that Parliament can have an opinion.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Charalambos Theopemptou, stated that since the issue that arose is of great concern to the residents, it is not possible for the competent committee of the Parliament not to discuss it and not to be informed about the details of the owner's intention and provisions. of legislation. He also said in a statement after the meeting that the issue of the Nile virus was a serious issue because it had become clear that the virus could be transmitted to humans and that the amount of water that would be given was already a serious issue. irrigation.
Annita Dimitriou wondered in Parliament why there is a discussion in the Committee when no application has been submitted by the owner and to what extent it is wise to consult on the intention to create a park.
On behalf of AKEL, Nikos Kettiros stated that his party shares the views of those in charge as submitted today to the Commission and that for safety and health issues no discount can be made. He added that the fact that the park needs 80 tons of water a day at a time when we have a water shortage problem and farmers are provided with reduced quantities is also a matter of great concern.
Christos Orfanidis of DIKO noted that everyone's concerns are clear, especially in matters of safety and health. He stated that the Ministry of Health has taken a stand on the Nile virus and that there is a problem that may be transmitted to humans and he wondered since we as Cyprus do not have these diseases why should we transmit them. If that happens, he said, we deserve our fate.
In terms of Solidarity, Michalis Giorgallas said that the Commission is adopting the concerns of the residents and that it was clear that this development will bring more problems.
The Committee was also attended by non-members. AKEL Skevi Koukouma said that the public dialogue is necessary for such an issue that raises concerns and reactions of the residents.
Linos Papagiannis of ELAM asked for an official position from the competent services on whether any threat from the creation of a park can be addressed and above all the services to ensure that no one is in danger.
"The Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation justifies what was said in the Parliamentary Committee on Environment"
In today's announcement, the Movement of Ecologists-Citizens' Cooperation states that it feels justified in relation to what was said at today's meeting of the Environment Committee of the Parliament. The announcement as it is:
The Parliamentary Committee on the Environment discussed today the issue "The possible negative environmental effects that will arise from the possible creation of a crocodile park", signed by the MP of the Ecologists 'Movement - Citizens' Cooperation Mr. George Perdikis.
In today's debate, it became clear once again that the positions of the Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation on the issue of the environmental impact of a possible creation of a crocodile park are justified.
As we have repeatedly pointed out, there is a lack of the know-how required to manage a crocodile park. This was also underlined before the competent Parliamentary Committee today by the Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Ioanna Panagiotou.
The issue of possible infections and the West Nile virus has also been raised, with the Ministry of Health stating that a crocodile may be introduced to carry the son but it should not be detected, because it will be in the hatching stage.
Another major issue, which was raised, is the fact that a large amount of water is required to maintain this park, at a time when the needs in other areas of water supply and irrigation can not be met.
As an Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation, we call on all environmentally sensitive citizens, but primarily the residents of Achna, not to succumb to the plans for the construction of the park.
Ecologists 'Movement - Citizens' Cooperation
KYPE / Famagusta.News