The Department of Forests has pledged to overhaul regulations governing state forest land leasing after an Audit Office report exposed chronic problems dating back to the 1970s.
The department is working on legislative amendments to tackle weaknesses highlighted in the Audit Office’s special report “Audit of the Department of Forests”, published on 27 January, according to a Department of Forests statement.
The report covers the period 2018-2024 but identifies issues stemming from decisions made in previous years, reaching as far back as the 1970s, the department said.
A significant portion of the report focuses on delays in revising rents for state forest land leases. The department said it will work with the Department of Lands and Surveys to speed up these procedures.
The Department of Forests stressed that leasing state forest land is permitted only for specific purposes and requires Cabinet approval, with strict adherence to regulations and consultation with all relevant departments. Market rents are calculated by the Department of Lands and Surveys.
Forest protection remains the primary goal, not leasing, the department said. Land leasing is examined only after requests are received and through open, transparent procedures.
The department addressed recent public controversy over three cases: the Foinias Adventure Park, the Macheras scout camp, and special schools in Polemidia. These leases include explicit environmental conditions and cancellation clauses if planning and other permits aren’t secured, the statement said.
Hotel leases in Ayia Napa date from the 1970s and don’t reflect current policy, the department added.
The department agreed on the need to modernise the framework governing forest land leasing, particularly regarding contract duration, rent levels and monitoring of terms. When violations are found, legal proceedings are pursued in cooperation with the Law Office, whilst efforts to collect overdue revenues have been strengthened.
The department also said it has launched measures to improve cooperation between departments on environmental assessment procedures.
(information from CNA)
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