Condemnation - the first on environmental issues - is considered by environmentalists to be a precursor to similar rulings on other issues before the Court, such as Akamas.
The issue of Lake Sotira-Paralimni was brought to the surface in 2007 by the Federation of Environmental and Ecological Organizations of Cyprus, which denounced Cyprus for insufficient protection of the water snake and the fact that the state allowed housing development in the northern part of the lake.
"The condemnation of Cyprus by the European Court of Justice for violations of EU legislation on the protection of the water snake in Lake Sotiras-Paralimni is the result of a policy that instead of serving the public interest serves the interests of a large landowner," he also told StockWatch , the MP of the Environmental Movement George Perdikis.
Mr. Perdikis noted that this is the first time that Cyprus has been condemned by the European Court of Environment.
A landmark decision for the protection of nature in Cyprus, characterizes the condemnation of Cyprus, the Executive Director of the Cyprus Bird Association, Dr. Claire Papazoglou.
"We hope that today's decision will lead to swift action to properly protect the extremely endangered Lake Paralimni, an important area for this unique species of snake but also for bird species," he said.
"We also hope that it will lead the authorities to take their obligations to implement European directives on nature much more seriously," Papazoglou added.
"The European Commission has opened a number of nature cases against Cyprus, the inadequate designation of Natura 2000 sites for birds, the licensing of destructive developments within Natura 2000 sites such as Ha Potami and Akamas, and the lack of monitoring of the situation. Natura 2000 sites and important endangered species ", states a relevant announcement of the Association.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Republic of Cyprus has failed to include the Sotira-Paralimni Lake area in the national list of proposed Sites of Community Importance, tolerating activities that seriously endanger the ecological characteristics of Lake Paralimni.
The decision adds that the authorities of the Republic did not take the necessary protection measures to preserve the population of the species Natrix natrix cypriaca (water snake of Cyprus), which is the ecological interest of this lake and the Xyliatos dam.
They have also failed to take steps to establish and enforce such a strict protection regime, thus in breach of their obligations under Council Directive 92/43 / EEC.
According to Mr. Perdikis, other cases of environmental issues are pending before the court, such as the deadline of one month to close the garbage dumps, air pollution, etc.
Asked if the decision is a precursor for other convictions, Mr. Perdikis said, not necessarily as in other cases, as he said, corrective days can be taken.
source stockwatch.com.cy
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