Dialogos

Irregularities in Hotel Developments within State Forest Zones

Published January 28, 2026, 06:03
Irregularities in Hotel Developments within State Forest Zones

A report reveals irregularities in hotel developments located within state forest zones in the province of Famagusta. Unauthorized interventions were identified, and in some cases, fines imposed were challenged by the Audit and Legal Services. To 'regularize' illegalities in two hotels in Ayia Napa and Paralimni, exchanges of state forest land with private land were carried out in 2022. In Ayia Napa, an incorrect plot was granted, leading to a new exchange application in 2023. Serious problems were also found in the leasing of state forest land in Natura 2000 areas, with omissions such as the absence of consultation and undocumented assessments. In one case, the urban planning application was submitted eight years after the initial agreement. Delays in environmental procedures and the commencement of projects before the legal lease of the land were also recorded in the Machairas National Forest Park and the Polemidia Park. The Audit Office points out the incomplete reconciliation of state forest land data between the Forestry Department and the Land Registry, as well as pending cases of illegal possession of state land. The report highlights lax controls and administrative inaction, with the Audit Office recommending harmonization of procedures with the principles of transparency and sound management.