Complaint over the logging of strictly protected, mature Black Pine trees in an area of exceptional ecological value in the Troodos mountains. A logging permit was issued by the Forestry Department, but no prior environmental approval appears to have been granted by the Department of Environment.

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Serious questions are being raised over the legality of logging activity within a Natura 2000 protected area, following complaints and corroborated information concerning a plot of land owned by Charalambos Alexandrou, former Director of the Forestry Department. The land is located in the mountainous Troodos region, specifically between the villages of Pedoulas (Nicosia district) and Prodromos (Limassol district).

The plot in question is registered as Plot No. 948, Sheet/Plan 37/34, with a total area of 2,174 square metres. According to data from the Land and Surveys Department’s geoportal, it is registered as agricultural land. The plot appears to have been acquired recently and falls within an agricultural planning zone (G3), while directly adjoining a protected planning zone (Z3).

Satellite images of the wider area where Plot 948 is located, at the boundary between the Nicosia and Limassol districts. Plot 948 is marked in red. The pink area denotes state-owned land.

However, the characteristics of the area go far beyond those of a typical agricultural plot. Plot 948 is covered by mature Black Pine trees (Pinus nigra), estimated to be at least 30 years old. The plot and its surrounding area form part of sub-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pine (habitat code 9530*), a strictly protected priority habitat type of Community interest under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, as well as Cyprus’s Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife Law of 2003 [Law 153(I)/2003].

The plot lies entirely within the Natura 2000 network, designated both as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), specifically within the Troodos National Forest Park (site code CY5000004). It also directly borders state forest land and the Troodos National Forest Park.

The Natura 2000 area is marked in green. Plot 948 lies entirely within the protected zone.

The Natura 2000 network is a pan-European system of sites of high ecological value. Any activity, project or plan within such areas — ranging from tree logging to construction projects or changes in planning zones — is subject to environmental impact assessment, appropriate ecological assessment and the issuance of relevant environmental approvals. These procedures are intended to prevent significant adverse effects on conservation objectives (protected species and habitats) and on the integrity of the protected site.

The tranquillity of the area, at an altitude of approximately 1,350 metres and characterised by panoramic views and dense natural vegetation, was disrupted on Monday, 19 January 2026. According to eyewitness accounts and visual material made available to FastForward, a private contractor operating a truck and a bulldozer entered Plot 948. The operation was reportedly accompanied by a black Mercedes believed to belong to Charalambos Alexandrou, as well as service vehicles which, according to information, belong to the Forestry Department.

During the course of the day, approximately 10 to 20 mature black pine trees — estimated to be at least 30 years old — were felled. A truck loaded with tree trunks was seen leaving the area more than once.

A truck loaded with pine trunks leaving the area at midday on 19 January 2026.

An excavator entering the plot on the morning of 19 January 2026.

Under both national and EU law, two key conditions must be met for logging to be carried out lawfully within a Natura 2000 site. First, prior environmental approval must be issued by the Department of Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, either through a Screening Report or through a Special Ecological Assessment, also known as an Appropriate Assessment. Second, a logging permit may then be granted by the Forestry Department, but only after environmental approval has been secured.

In this case, independent sources with in-depth knowledge of the legally prescribed procedures state that no environmental approval has been issued to date by the Department of Environment for Plot 948. Furthermore, no Screening Report or Special Ecological Assessment has been published on the Department of Environment’s official website, as required by law and standard practice in comparable cases.

A truck transporting trunks of mature pine trees from the area on the morning of 19 January 2026.

According to corroborated information, a formal complaint has been filed with the Pedoulas Police Station. The police requested information and clarifications from the Forestry Department regarding the legality of the logging operation. The Forestry Department responded that a logging permit had been issued by the Troodos Regional Forestry Officer.

However, sources familiar with environmental permitting procedures stress to FastForward that even if a logging permit was issued, the felling of mature black pine trees within a Natura 2000 site raises serious concerns as to whether the substantive legal conditions, safeguards and restrictions imposed by environmental legislation were met.

According to information, the Department of Environment intends to launch an ex officio investigation and conduct an on-site inspection of the plot, in order to determine the protection status of the area, the extent of the logging activity and its environmental impact.

A source from the competent authorities responsible for the protection and management of Natura 2000 sites, commenting on the Forestry Department’s decision to grant a permit for the logging of mature black pine trees in Troodos, said to FastForward that there is a widespread perception that “forests fall exclusively under the authority of the Forestry Department and that it answers to no one,” despite the clear provisions of environmental legislation governing sensitive protected areas.

Beyond the alleged deviation from the legally required procedure, questions also arise regarding the role of specific Forestry Department officials: who was involved, in what capacity, whether any pressure was exerted, and whether their prior professional relationship with their former Director influenced decision-making.

Serious questions are also raised regarding Charalambos Alexandrou himself. Given the institutional role he held for many years, he cannot credibly claim ignorance of the legal provisions and procedures applicable to Natura 2000 areas.

Sources asked to assess the possible motives behind the logging note that, given the very limited development coefficient applicable to the plot, the felling of trees alone appears difficult to justify. They suggest that the activity may be linked to preparations for another use of the land, or even for future development.

The case, which is already before the Police and the competent authorities, is expected to evolve further in the coming days. Should it be established that the legally prescribed procedures were not followed, the matter could give rise to a serious institutional, legal and administrative issue.

As of the time of publication, FastForward is awaiting an official response from the Department of Environment, which was formally asked for comment. The department did not immediately respond.

FastForward also contacted the Forestry Department, which did not dispute the identity of the landowner (Charalambos Alexandrou) and confirmed that a logging permit had been issued for 5 mature Black Pine trees. When asked whether prior environmental approval from the Department of Environment was required, the Forestry Department did not immediately respond and referred the matter to a later, future update, claiming that it “does not know the status of the area.”