When citizens take on the role of the state and officials condone lawlessness
When the oversight committee discussed the audit office’s report on violations of the Akamas plan last Thursday, both the discussions and the veiled messages were revealing. Not only was the sense of complete lawlessness unfolding in the region reinforced. But it also cemented the criminal ignorance—at best—of those who were either appointed to act in the interest of the environment or, as officials, were duty-bound to protect it. Given that it is inextricably linked to the well-being of the citizens they claim to defend.
One reason for highlighting this lawlessness was, among other things, the debate over a move by event organizers in Agios Georgios, Pegeia, to set up a stage using sound and lighting equipment, thereby affecting the sea turtles in the area. The mayor of Polis Chrysochous, however, took issue with the environmental organizations. He accused them of “constantly creating problems” and of having found a “reason for existence” through the Akamas projects. And while one might expect the members of parliament who were present to respond, some of them actually defended the mayor.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Chrysanthos Savvides described as “excellent” the new restaurant owned by the businessman who is otherwise criticized in the report—among other things—for expansions in the area that conflict with the Akamas Plan. This raised questions about how well he understands the issue, the seriousness of the situation, and exactly what his role is in the House of Representatives. And, along with others, he expressed the view that the turtles weren’t harmed in any way by a three-hour event.
Just how sensitive Parliament is to environmental issues was evident from the fact that it allowed the chairmanship of the Environment Committee to be given to ELAM, with its well-known controversial positions. One would have expected, however, that the Commissioner for the Environment would have attempted to act as a shield against everything that is unfolding. Instead, his presence was not only disheartening but also offensive to those fighting to protect this land. Downplaying the situation, Ilias Myrianthos claimed that the protesters did not have a sufficient understanding of the platform’s geographical location in relation to the turtles’ nesting beaches. And when Andreas Papakonstantinou asked him, dumbfounded, on what basis he was speaking, he retorted that he was just as much of an expert as Papakonstantinou was on the audit office’s reports.
A former member of parliament who has absolutely no connection to the environment. A politician who showed no interest in the issue while exercising parliamentary oversight, which would have justified the position he subsequently received. An Environment Commissioner whose actions made it clear that his appointment has nothing to do with protecting the environment or animal welfare. But rather with political expediency aimed at the presidential elections.
The problem is that violations, the flouting of laws, and rampant anarchy are evident everywhere. With trees constantly being uprooted in the name of “development,” and cities constantly being covered in concrete. Destroying whatever greenery remains.
This is precisely what raises the question: Do officials act as representatives of the citizens or of powerful interests? Because they are not only shockingly inadequate but have now become apologists for the very crimes being committed. Now it is the citizens, the nongovernmental organizations, and very few political figures who have taken on the burden of preventing the ecological disaster that is unfolding every day. It is the volunteers who have taken it upon themselves to care for all stray animals. Through daily feeding and spaying and neutering. Because the relevant authorities, citing bureaucracy, are conspicuously absent everywhere. And when citizens demand explanations from those responsible for destroying the environment, they are dismissively told to file a complaint. This reinforces the notion that any fine imposed would be insignificant. And giving the impression that they have backing for whatever they do.
This is a challenging time for both the environment and animal welfare. The problem, however, is that in Cyprus, the situation has not merely deteriorated. It is being undermined daily by the very officials responsible for it. This sends the message that the government not only does not know how to defend it—by appointing the wrong people to the most critical positions— But it also reinforces the sense that, due to powerful vested interests, it does not want to.
