WRITTEN QUESTION E-2741/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) and Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Protection of the natural habitats on the Akamas peninsula of Cyprus

The Akamas peninsula of Cyprus is an area of 250 km2 surrounded by 12 traditional villages, displays a great variety of habitats and is the home for 530 different plants - among these are 39 unique endemic plant species -, 168 kinds of birds, 20 kinds of serpents, 12 different mammals and 16 kinds of butterflies. Akamas is also the reproductive ground for 'Chelonia mydas' and the 'Caretta caretta', two species of turtles identified as 'nearly extinct' in the Mediterranean. These turtles breed on the beaches of Akamas.

The World Bank implemented a study on the Akamas peninsula in September 1995, which confirms all of the above, notifying that Akamas should be declared a biosphere reserve. More than 100 organizations in Cyprus demand the declaration of the Akamas area as a National Park with international standards (IUCN). The Cyprus Government has expressed the policy intention of establishing a conservation plan for the Akamas peninsula in the near future.

At the same time the Akamas area is used by the British forces in Cyprus as a firing range for all kinds of training, including the carrying out of demolitions, as well as (naval) bombardment range. The environmental impacts are both physical (fires, damage of flora and fauna) and aesthetic (noise, visual, social). The British Forces Cyprus exercises are incompatible with the objectives of a nature reserve area.

Cyprus asked on 3 July 1990 to become a member of the European Union. The negotiations between the EU and Cyprus will start within six months.

When Cyprus is a member of the European Union, will it also have to fulfil the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. ))? Will this Habitats Directive be enlarged to take account of the animal and plants species endemic to Cyprus? If yes, when does the Commission intend to propose a revision of the Habitats Directive?

Will the Akamas peninsula be a top priority candidate to be protected under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (or its eventual enlarged scope)?

Will the Commission include this topic in the upcoming negotiations for the entry of Cyprus to the European Union?

Is the Commission aware that the UK Government is discussing with the Republic of Cyprus the possibility of a suitable alternative training base for the British Forces?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (24 September 1997)

The Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC is part of the 'acquis communautaire' and Cyprus will have to implement it if it becomes a member of the Community. If necessary, the Directive annexes will have to be adapted to take into account the specific endemic species and habitats of all the new Member States.

Under the Habitats Directive it is for the Member States to propose the most suitable sites according to the species and habitats listed in Annexes I and II and to the criteria of Annex III. If the Akamas peninsula biotope corresponds to the requirements of the Directive it will have to be taken into account by the Cypriot government.

The Commission is intending to discuss the necessary adjustments of the Habitats Directive and its fulfilment conditions by the candidate countries as soon as the enlargement negotiations start.

The Commission is not aware of discussions between Cyprus and the British government about the possibility of an alternative training base for the British forces.