CYPRUS: Proposal to open a crocodile park in Larnaca

The Parliamentary Committee on the Environment discussed on Wednesday a proposal submitted by businessmen from Cyprus and Israel to open a crocodile park in Tochi -Psematismenos area in the Larnaca district.

Local authorities are strongly opposed to the proposal, which involves bringing 1002 Nile crocodiles from Israel to Cyprus.

The authorities express their concern that the proposal has noting to do with opening a theme park which people can visit but a slaughter, packaging and tanning farm.

Government agencies are currently examining the applications submitted by Cypriot and Israeli businessmen who want to promote this project.

MPs and representatives of environmental and animal welfare organizations who participated in today`s meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment expressed scepticism and serious objections regarding the proposal.
In statements following the meeting, Committee Chairman Adamos Adamou expressed his strong opposition to any development plans which jeopardize biodiversity in Cyprus.

The Environment Committee will re-examine the issue after the competent departments and the Ministry of Agriculture conclude the examination of the applications.