Cape Greco – the de facto easternmost point of both the Republic of Cyprus and the whole European Union is designated as a protected zone under Natura 2000 – which is why all discussions about the area’s development are always rife with controversy, especially when it comes to protecting the local flora and fauna and how the land itself is used.
Yet the time for discussion has once again arrived for Cypriot authorities as the leases for Crape Greco’s infrastructure that have so far been in effect are now expiring. The deals that have been concluded with the French Government for its use will now need to undergo a complete rethink and Cypriot officials will need to figure out what to do with everything that’s being left behind.
Developing and protecting a vital area
The Cypriot government has stated that under no circumstances will it allow for commercial activities to take over the Cape Greco area after the agreements with French authorities have expired. Instead, officials want to further develop the local potential for culture, education and environmental impact.
Currently, the main goal of authorities is to create a long-term plan for the use of Cape Greco and its future. Some of the potential priorities highlighted by government officials include upgrades to the research facilities in the region and a wholesale promotion of the entire zone around the lighthouse. The establishment of a lighthouse museum is also currently under consideration.
The main point, however, remains that the government will do everything in its power to stop the commercialization of a region that is one-of-a-kind in the whole of Europe. With Cape Greco being designated as a protected area under Natura 2000, no such activities would be permissible and officials mean to uphold the law and enforce it.
Source: TheMayor.EU
