Villagers choose trees over photovoltaics

The loss of hundreds of forest trees, the habitat of many of Cyprus’ wildlife species, is the main reason the cluster of communities of Mathiatis, Lythrodontas and Analyontas is opposing plans to set up a massive photovoltaic park within the villages’ boundaries.

“They say that if they obtain a licence, they will cut down the trees,” Mathiatis community president Theodoros Kyriakou Tsatsos told the Cyprus Mail.

He said that the three communities, nestled in pine forests, “oppose this investment”.

Tsatsos added that due to the reaction of the people, plans have been revised and improved.

He explained that “the main concern is the trees, the pine trees, the growth”.

“We told them to choose areas without any trees,” Tsatsos said.

On Wednesday, the Environment Department, responding to press reports, clarified that the proposed project has not yet been evaluated and no licences have been issued.

Public debate on the proposed project is open till August 24, after which the environmental authority will examine the project.

“Submitting and evaluating the study does not predispose in any way the decision of the environmental authority,” the department adds.