WRITTEN QUESTION E-2705/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(26 September 2002)

Subject: Natura 2000 Cyprus

Has the Commission now received proposals for Natura 2000 sites from the Cyprus Government?

If so, is the Commission satisfied with these, particularly in respect to the extent of designations within and around the Akamas Peninsular?

Answer given by Mr Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2002)

The Commission has financed a LIFE-Third countries project in Cyprus to assist with the elaboration of the list of sites for the Natura 2000 network and the collection of information that will lead to the development of the necessary Standard Data Forms and maps of the sites. The project is expected to finish by the end of 2002. So far, the Commission has received the project's progress reports and a preliminary list of sites, maps and information, which includes the area of the Akamas Peninsula.

According to existing arrangements, candidate countries have to submit their proposals for Natura 2000 by the date of accession at the latest. The Commission will then assess the adequacy of these proposals at biogeographical region level, through the procedures that have been established to this effect. The assessment of the Akamas Peninsular site that has been proposed for designation will therefore only be possible at that stage.