Limassol citizens to rise against the Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Citizens, against political manipulations, will no longer hold Cyprus Tourism Organisation in their hearts
Even the slight risk that the urban integrity of the Dasoudi may be compromised in Limassol, has people mobilized in a way that has never been achieved before.
The increasing following of the citizen movement in favor of the #dasoudi (woodland) preservation in Limassol, has singled out the semi-governmental organisation as responsible of an unsustainable proposal which will now escalate with legal actions, should the Cyprus Tourism Organisation feel empowered to push ahead with plans already set in illegality.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation, which has an exclusive lease to manage the grounds from the Forestry department, seems to have unilaterally awarded the refurbishing and expansion of existing facilities without a proper tender procedure in an area that is unique on the Cyprus coast in the city area of Limassol.
It appears that the Cyprus Tourism Organisation which had already awarded the 2.5 million euro investment, have plans to unveil the project, following pressure from architects, the municipality of Yermasoyia and political interests. This counter reaction against the supporters of the movement, have also targeted their anger against its most visible defendants, such as Mr. Theopemptou and other representatives that spoke out during the meeting celebrated at the Dasoudi last weekend.
Aside from bringing together a group (sos save the Dasoudi) of 3.300 people, since it's creation on the 24th of May, the facebook social media platform has also facilitated the 330 signatures calling for the support to halt the project (Online Petition). The participation online is quite singular and perhaps considered as unique due to the constructive nature of the cause, but also because of the concerns debated openly in the group with contributions from variety of people not necessarily concerned with Tourism development.
Surely this will also set a precedent as to the scrutiny of every action made out by the organisation in the future, but it will also create a basis from which people will become better informed of their citizen rights with the context of new European laws.
It is foreseeable that the fate of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation's popularity as the summer season starts, will hit an all time low on the island. This is definitely not a wise development, as the reputation of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation is already in a decadent state; which will further erode the confidence in the Tourism sector with the eventual spill out effects abroad.
For More Information:
Sign the petition - Join the Dasoudi Group
http://www.facebook.com/Cyprus.Nature