A corner of
heaven spoilt by bulldozers
Imagine finding a paradise island just as it is being destroyed.
The Turkish Cypriot Community in northern
Cyprus has and continues to be
isolated. There are no direct flights in or out and export of its goods
and services is severely restricted, making it an impoverished area
compared to other places in the region. Over 30 years of isolation has
left its natural environment
relatively unspoilt, compared to other areas in the Mediterranean.
A property boom which started in 2004, has lead to literally thousands
of olive trees being cut down to make way for the profitable housing
market. It is obvious there was no way to stop or indeed
control this development. The decision makers view it as the
"locomotive of the economy", offering many spin-off benefits
to the rest of the community. Any obstruction to the construction
is tantamount to committing treason.
But equally, to destroy the very thing which makes North Cyprus so attractive
is really shooting oneself
in the foot.(...more)
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Even historic trees are not safe from development
taking place in Cyprus. As a last resort, we moved this tree
on behalf
of the local authority into the
central park in Kyrenia town.
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