Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Having been accused on this forum of “contaminating this lovely island” I wonder if other Kibkomers consider Cyprus to be contaminated and if so, by what or whom (apart from me!) and has this contamination got worse in the last fifteen years?

Has Cyprus been contaminated by windborne chemical gases from Syria, dust from the Sahara, fumes from the local power station, ravines choked with rubbish, or raw sewage flowing unchecked from a five star hotel? And what about cruelty to animals, indiscriminate poisoning and bird trapping.

Or perhaps Cyprus has been contaminated by humans – corrupt politicians, dishonest developers, businesses who don’t treat their customers fairly?

Or just me! ㅤㅤ

Why have you personally contaminated the Island? . I dont quite understand your post?

As you say there are many things that are contaminating the Island and rubbish is one of them around the picnic sites, and many other places ...
Old Lambousa tombs is contaminated, and many other lovely places, have you been dumping rubbish Wotnodeeds? ..

Yes you said it in the second paragraph so many people a developing alergies. It's the chemical wepons they are using Syria the wind blowing the poison gases and dust particals of here. Adults and children coughing like mad. It is killing us slowly. Same with the African dust it brings sickness to us here. Yes 100% we are a contaminated island, all the other items you mentioned is correct to, but you seem a decent chap with decent and interesting posts which should make people really thing what the hell is going on. Take care

Lots of things are contaminating the island but don't forget the GC's!

I wonder if the huge amount of construction going on and the endless workings at the quarries is contributing to the very poor air quality we have here. Everything is constantly dusty.

The original post by WND was meant as a joke !!.

As he was accused of this for having a say against a company who said that he was contaminating the island with his view on matters.

Just saying .

I also read the comments when they were posted and thought ... how childish but was anyone surprised ?

Thank you Toftsv, now I understand. I had stopped reading the thread in question (it was making me feel physically and mentally ) sick! Quite agree with turtle. Forget it wnd, it is the sort of personal attack that should be stopped by the Mods but probably best to treat it with the contempt it deserves..

Since however the question of real pollution has been raised - surely the increase in traffic is a major cause, particular for those of us living in narrow village streets now doubling as racetracks,

I thought WNDs had left Cyprus for pastures anew.

I have been coming to Cyprus all my life, from before it was divided in 1974 but mainly since. The North has changed much in that time , like everywhere. However in my view there was a dramatic shift in both the rate and scale of change in the North as well as the nature of it that occurred in the run up to the Annan Plan and since vs before that. For me change in North Cyprus is clearly delineated by pre Annan and post Annan.

Pre Annan change in North Cyprus was slow by any comparative standard. North Cyprus was remarkable for the slowness of change in generic terms pre Annan. Political, cultural and demographic change along with 'development' generally was slow. Demographically there were waves of 'immigration' from mainland Turkey, driven by a number of factors but outside of that, immigration into North Cyprus from elsewhere and specifically from the UK was a slow trickle. Almost everyone who was not already Cypriot who came to live in the North had some prior connection to Cyprus and usually to the Turkish Cypriot community. All that changed in the lead up to the Annan plan. The numbers of such 'immigrants' into North Cyprus increased massively but also the 'nature' of such 'immigrants'. Part and parcel of that mass immigration was 'mass' development and mass change from everything to the number of cars on the roads or indeed number of roads themselves, to the number and type of restaurants to emergence of 'supermarkets' and the range of products sold within them. In terms of the population size of North Cyprus I do not think the term 'mass' is hyperbole - how many UK Ex pats / immigrants are there in North Cyprus today ? 20,00? 30,000? more ? Relative to a population of 250-300,000 these are large numbers and in a pretty short period of time as well.

Does all this recent 'change' represent 'contamination' of North Cyprus ? Well that really depends on your perspective I guess. From my perspective no it does not represent 'contamination'. Certainly amongst this influx of non Turkish immigrants there were a few 'bad eggs' but I am not of the view that a group as a whole should be defined or judged by such exceptions. Certainly the numbers of such immigrants and to a degree the different nature of them post Annan has been part and parcel and a partial but significant agent of a wave of change in North Cyprus that has been unlike anything I have seen here pre Annan. North Cyprus today is different from how it was in 1975 or 1985 or 1995. It looks different, it feels different and it is different in so many ways. What is more the amount of difference in the 20 years from 1975 to 1995 was tiny compared to the 15 years or so from the lead up to the Annan plan to today.

To my mind it is not that hard to imagine a Turkish Cypriot 'Nigel Farage' or 'Katie Hopkins' talking about how the influx of non Turkish immigrants into North Cyprus, post Annan Plan , was 'contaminating' and 'polluting' and a threat to the very continued existence of traditional Turkish Cypriot cultural values. If such fictional characters were to exist and I was to be aware of them I would like to think I would challenge their opinions as vociferously as I do those of the real people on which such fictions are based.

As someone who was in Limassol in 1963 and has lived in the TRNC permanently (with only one visit to the UK in 20years) since 1995 I entirely agree with Erol that exceptional demographic changes in the British community post Annan and it has imho been the "Ancient Brits" who have suffered most from the demands of the "newcomers" for "Little England in the sun", (see for instance my post above living in a Cypriot village).. The irony is that initially we encouraged them,believing that a large British populations seen to be living comfortably and safely here would improve the international image of the TRNC and the income would help the Cypriots

However it has to be said that the Cypriots wern't exactly hard to "contaminate". No one twisted their arms to sell their land, and dig up olive groves and wild flower meadows and build unsightly estates blocking others' views and infringing their privacy. Nor to fill the shelves of their Supermarket with baked beans and cornflakes.

But nothing that has happened in the last 15 years is anything like as serious nor irretrievable as what has been happpening in the last five or so. There is no way a mainly retired British population can be held responsible for the loss ofaccess to large areas of coastline that legally are the right of the people of Cyprus, the enormous hotels and influx of casinos, and above all the multi-storey blocks of (?what) contrary to Planning legislation cutting off views of sea and mountains alike. These are the real threat to Turkish Cypriot cultural values, and indeed to the environment as a whole.

We have been coming to north Cyprus for many years now. Some years back we made the decision to build a home in the north. It is a work in progress, to be completed as and when we can afford to. It is an eyesore at present, a blot on the landscape.

We have always enjoyed exploring the north by car, the meandering lanes, the smiles and waves from village families as our family drove past them.

I felt a little sad as I viewed the change over years, the developments, the loss of beautiful groves and arable land, the loss of meandering country lanes in favour of modern wide roads.

But then I also felt a little guilty.

What right did I have to expect Cypriots to continue to eek out a meagre living off the land? What right did I have to expect Cypriots not to secure their financial future by selling off some or all of their land? All this just so I and others like us, the fortunate ones, those with money, real money, could drive past the village peasants, the herdsmen, the farmers, and wave and smile at them once in a blue moon.

Progress.

Progress, development and contamination all go hand in hand I am afraid.

its not just cyprus, its the whole of the med, europe, the world.

look how england has changed, a day trip to london leaves you with sooty black snot when you blow your hooter.

I get tired of people excusing all the ills of the world by worship of the Great God Progress! Progress depends on what direction and at the moment the human race seems to be hurtling unchecked to Armageddon!

Do you really believe, sysman, that the "villlage peasants", "farmers" and particularly herdmen benefit from the sale of land? One or two may get just enough to keep the older generation for the rest of their lifetime, but otherwise they gain nothing but lose the wherewithall to earn a living, no matter how meagre,that has beeen passed down for generations. And is it not a bit patronising to assume that they dont enjoy their lifestyle. Have you every been stopped by a shepherd who was so thrilled by the birth of twin lambs that he had to stop the first person he saw to show them! And what other job opportunities will the development offer - croupiers , waiters and chambermaid if not worse!

Do not forget that these things are not replaceable. An Olive Tree has an average life of 500 years and reaches maximum efficient fruiting at 40 or 50! Some of the destroyed groves must have been over 1000 years oldand chopped down in the space of a morning. And if you build a tower block with the necessary foundations on land , how do you expect to revert to to agricultural when the tourist craze moves on and the buiding is out of date and the fabric crumbling.

There is an argument that the tourist trade had to be grabbed at any cost because lack of international recognition prevented other ways of earning money and particularly limited opportunties for the younger generation. However the silver lining of the post Annan informal recognition of the TRNC and increased expat population has to a great extent mitigated that, as has the internet revolution, and it is my impression that young Turkish Cypriots are very innovative and many are doing nicely for themselves thank you- they are better educated, healthier and have more opportunities that they ever did under the Greeks, the British or the Romans!

Change happens and sometimes not always for the best. Having lived and worked on the island since a teenager in 1970, there have been many many changes....much having been driven by the need to attract the tourist $ investment wether they be on a package holiday, wanting a holiday home in the sun or a permanent home on the island. We were here in the early 70s, returning in the early 80s, mid 90s and many times on holiday since then.....each time returning to see noticeable changes. This did not put us off and we decided to purchase a small property to allow us to enjoy all that the island has to offer

We noticed a huge change in the ROC since the joining of the EU with a lot of EU money being made available to help infrastructure projects such as roads, motorways etc. Plus of course I can remember in the 80s and 90s the drive to attract investment in the south from the likes of the old USSR. Now it appears to be a bid to attract middle eastern and even Chinese investment.

In the north change has been slower to come about, however it is happening faster than in the past. Obviously the closeness of Turkey has influenced this change and again the need to attract the so called tourist investment from Russia.

Each time we have returned to this island after a period of absence we see these changes, however whilst we don't always approve we still believe that this island has plenty to offer. We were initially concerned that eventually the island would change so much that it would lose its attraction for us, however despite all that has happened over the 45+ years we have been coming to Cyprus, with a little effort it is still easily possible to find much of the old Cyprus both in the north and in the south.

We believe we are fortunate that we have known the island since the 70s as it gives us a huge advantage over the 2 week package tourist - we know where to go to escape the madding crowds, get a great meal, discover unspoilt forests, travel on roads where you won't see a person or car for miles, find deserted beaches and meet lovely people.

Yes it's changed, not always for the better but it's about making the most of what you have and enjoying all that the island has to offer.

Leaving aside your personal circumstance, Posh, and forgetting for the purposes of this post all the problems that change has caused loyal long term permanent residents. Do you really feel that stressing the infrastructure, destroying a ecology including unique and irreplaceable fauna and flora, depleting the fragile water table of a drought area, making money for frivolity from sources that are contrary to to the accepted religion of the country (as well as many others moral standards) and distorting the economy to extent it is becoming difficult for ordinary people whether locals or expats to manage , it is in best interests of Cyprus, the Med area or even the World in general. Or do you think it is just a matter of shrugging your shoulder, muttering "change" and thinking "Im alright Jack"

Sometimes reading this forum I think "regardless of their fate, the little victims play"! and fiddling while Rome burns also comes to mind.

I think it's fair to say that anyone who comes to live in Cyprus thinking they are living in a bubble is making a mistake... however as we are approaching a one year anniversary of the fire at Esentepe rubbish dump and IT IT STILL BURNING! It's about time the local Mayor arranged to PUT THAT FIRE OUT!

They are still taking local waste to the dump to add fuel to the fire... UNBELIEVABLE.

Sorry for shouting but.... you get the point.

There are two things people overlook in discussing this subject.

The first is the wonderful atmosphere there was in the pre Annan days , among the expats and between communities. Life was much tougher, almost pioneer (imagine 11 hours power cuts and permanent water shortage) but the friendliness and helpfulness made up for it. Of course most of us were working then so there was no time to be bitchy!

The second was that it was not just native Brit pensioner that made up the influx post Annan. Many were second generation Brits of Turkish Cypriot extraction returning to their homeland. I remember one of these who left a lovely home , a good career and a happy life in England for the sake of his children. He felt that North Cyprus offered a healthier climate, morally and practially than the UK and wanted his kids to have the opportunity of a more relaxed , less commercial , lifestyle, country living with respect for nature, less busy roads, clean air , access to sea and beaches and the ability to play outside in safety! I wonder how he feels about it now and whether he thought he was coming to live in a bubble!

Ragged Robin wrote:Leaving aside your personal circumstance, Posh, and forgetting for the purposes of this post all the problems that change has caused loyal long term permanent residents. Do you really feel that stressing the infrastructure, destroying a ecology including unique and irreplaceable fauna and flora, depleting the fragile water table of a drought area, making money for frivolity from sources that are contrary to to the accepted religion of the country (as well as many others moral standards) and distorting the economy to extent it is becoming difficult for ordinary people whether locals or expats to manage , it is in best interests of Cyprus, the Med area or even the World in general. Or do you think it is just a matter of shrugging your shoulder, muttering "change" and thinking "Im alright Jack"

Sometimes reading this forum I think "regardless of their fate, the little victims play"! and fiddling while Rome burns also comes to mind.

Change is inevitable. We may not agree with it or like it but it happens. It's how the individual adapts to the changes - some change is worth fighting however some change is good and for the better. My point was that despite the huge changes since the early 70s and the start of our love affair with the island of Cyprus, it's not all doom and gloom. The island still has plenty of good things to offer.

This quote says it all......

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Ahhh, the good old days. I too remember Girne when it was a small town with empty fields and unspoilt views of the sea and mountains surrounding it.
The narrow winding road running through the mountain from Cinarli to Tatlisu, with its beautiful views of the mountain forrest. The single lane road passing over the small mountain between Iskele and Bogaz, scary at times to drive through, especially if there was any oncoming vehicle to negotiate the narrow road. TC's in the centre of Lefkosa constantly bumping into people that they knew, it seemed like everybody knew each other; it would be a long journey walking from A to B as you would inevitably be constantly stopping to chitchat on the street with friends or family. The days when neighbours or family would stop by for a coffee and a chat, no appointments needed. Times have changed and the island has been contaminated with more car, bigger roads, tall and clustered buildings. But, what else should have happened? Leave the islanders to remain in the past whilst the rest of the world continued to develop? I hated the power cuts and the lack of water, as did the locals who had no choice but to put up with it. I embrace the changes that have happened over the years and have learnt in life that one should move with a forever changing world. The construction industry has bought work to the locals, the hotels industry has brought work to the locals - there is nothing wrong with being a chambermaid or a waiter, not everybody wishes to be a doctor or a lawyer, many are content in simply having a stable job that pays their national insurance with a wage to put food on the table.

I would now hate to live in Girne, Lefkosa and Magosa, because of all the over development and traffic, but, I do enjoy frequenting the variety of restaurants, coffee shops, events, etc. knowing that I will return to my unspoilt village; I do make the most of both worlds, at the moment I have that choice. I have not yet met a local TC complain about all the major developments in the TRNC, I am sure they see it as progress and adapt to the changes, as everyone else adapts to change elsewhere in our World. Change will continue whether we like it or not, and I fully agree that there should be measures in place to protect the natural environment as much as possible, but this will alway be compromised with the contamination of money. In a hundred years time I would not be surprised if Cyprus resembled Hong Kong, cluttered with skyscrapers.

Cyprus cannot remain in the past - it should be allowed to move forward with the rest of the World.

OOOh Soner: You are making me homesick. Would you believe the other day I went into a shop and was offered a cup of coffee. I was quite taken aback - I had actually for gotten that in more civilized days that was the norm!

You are so lucky to live in an"unspoilt villlage" - I used to , I am still living there but now there is a racetrack outside my lounge and spare bedroom. This morning I woke up feeling quiite Polyanna-ish (like Posh) because the storm had washed the air clean and I could breath again and felt wel and glad to be able at least to get as far a a market for some food. On return I found my entrance block by a lorry and by i time found the driver a tailback of l0 or so cars had built up. I had to drive round the village (the wrong way) twice before I could approach my own home again and then had to waitfor 20 vehicles before I could get into position ot reverse into my own drive. This is a single track village street without pavements. If this the sign of an advanced civilized societ? More important what about the case of the man who made sacrifices to bring up his family in a clean , healthy environment and got this. Even more what about future generations of Cypriots whose inheritance has been so uncaringly ruined.

I know several, intelligent, educated forward looking Cypriots who are seriously worried about what is happening to the country - particularly for the sake of their children and grandchilden.

Just because the rest of the world is jumping over a precipice , who shouldthe TRNC have to follow?

I can ony refer you to the question I asked "Posh" (and he has avoided answering) do you honestly feel that the recent excessive over development with multi story etc.. is in the best long term intersts of resident and citizens of the TRNC and indeed to do you really believe that Turkish Cypriots are going to benefit froom them

RR

I have answered.

Change is inevitable. I love the Cyprus which I fell in love with as a teenager in the early 70s. It was for this reason that we constantly feel drawn to return because we know that despite the huge changes the island still has a special place in our hearts.

The quote I posted is what I stand by:-

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Posh we are never going to agree on this one, we must agree to differ, provided you allow me the right to do so. I stand by another quote: "All that is needed for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.

Ragged Robin wrote:Posh we are never going to agree on this one, we must agree to differ, provided you allow me the right to do so. I stand by another quote: "All that is needed for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.

Of course we must agree to differ, it would be a strange world if everyone agreed with everything.

You say you know local people who are worried about the changes in North Cyprus - of course some are naturally concerned. On the other hand, Soner has said that many welcome the changes as they have work, can provide for their families etc.

I enjoyed my first visit to Nisi beach in Ayia Napa in 1971. No road, just a dirt track opening up onto a brilliant white sandy beach, with just a small coke shack for refreshments......idyllic. Today you cannot see the beach for the hotels, tavernas, pubs and discos etc - is this change good or bad? It's all about opinions.

Good men don't do nothing - God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

I have always had concerns about the changes on the island ever since our first visit however, we must not live in the past. What we can do is to try in some small way to influence the change for the better. We may have some success, we will very likely have many failures but that's life. We must try not to be overwhelmed if things do not change as we would like, it's not good for the mind, body or soul. I just think it's better to enjoy the past and embrace the future.

That's exactly how I feel Posh, I enjoy the memories of the past and look forward to the future. I remember London as a child, where there would be only two cars parked on our road, one on each end, the rest of the road was for us kids to play on. Today, I have problems parking my car on my road and can take me an hour to find a parking space. The memories are there and the current problems become normal everyday life which we adapt to, it's not the end of the World. My father used to tell me about the great times he had in Cyprus as a child and used to say how well the GC's and TC's got on with each other, where there were hardly any cars on the roads, when people used to exchange goods with each other instead of making payment. He had good memories of the past and may not have liked some changes as time passed by, just as his father may have experienced. However, he did embrace the faster pace of life London had to offer, so had settled down in the UK.

RR, with regards to the man that came out to TRNC with his children for a better life, well, I knew someone who did the same, the children are now grown up, all three boys further studied in Turkey to become doctors. He had achieved what he wanted for his children and has no regrets. However, they may not remain in Cyprus, they will have choices in life and may wish to live in another country, one has already chosen to remain in Turkey. There are many places in the TRNC outside of the main cities where the pace of life is much slower and old traditions continue as usual, it will change over time, and I hope not too much in my lifetime, but if it did then I would except the change and my daughter would tell stories to her future children about how good things were in the Good Old Days.

To be honest, no I do not like the amount of buildings that have gone up in TRNC, with the loss of sight of the sea in many places, But, I have come to terms with it over time, and accept the change as progress. With the amount of building they have done in and around Girne simply means that they now need to build multi-storey carparks to deal with the increased traffic to the city centre, that's how I now see it. Those that live there do have choices, they can remain in a growing city or they can move out to quieter surroundings. You'll find the younger generation prefer the city life, the hustle and bustle, the entertainment, the employment opportunities. Who has the right to deny this form of progress in the TRNC for generations to come, and simply allow it to remain undeveloped in a past timezone far fetched from the rest of advanced and developed countries? Many dislike change, but it does happen everywhere and we simply need to go with the flow. Putting a stop to it will probably do more harm than good. As for those that have cashed in on the land, then good luck to them, they had the opportunity to make money and have made use of it to better their lifestyle.

Soner: I started out in what were when I bough "quieter surroundings" . They are not now and I am too old and ill to move again, unless forced by political situation.

However we too will have to agree to disagree. The Turkish Cypriot had a unique country and unique opportuniity to avoid the mistakes of the rest of the word (particularly as they could see what was happening in the South) , ironically because of their sufferings, and to coin a phrase they sold their heritage for a mass of pottage, and everyone who cares about the country should make their feeelings known.

However this is getting nowhere! To change the subject slightly what do you and Posh think about air pollution mentioned earlier on the thead. There is no doubt that most people suffered to some degree or other this (last?( week and I for one only had relief when the storm cleared the air.. Do you accept the theory that this is the result of wind born pollutants carried fromthe conflict in the MIddle East (in which case we might as well accept that we are all doomed and eat, drink andb merry while we can) or we you accept it is a combination of factors such as the high level of traffic fumes (particularly in narrow road between buildings where the fumes are trapped and enter homes, and the windborn dust and other pollutants from massive building sites. You only have to pass one in a car without air con to experience some very unhealthy air. Do you not feel that this at least ought to be tackled if only for the sake of future generations?

RR, it is being tackled for future generations, hence, the production of improved electric powered cars. With time they may be totally powered by solar energy.

Air pollution comes in many forms....the sand blown in from Egypt/Middle East, fumes from car exhausts, occasional pollution from the power station along the coast but is not confined to the TRNC.

It happens in the U.K. and across the supposed developed world. A few years ago a volcano in Iceland dumped ash across Europe disrupting air travel for a good few weeks. In London despite the emissions controls and payments to enter certain zones, pollution is still happening.

Pollution comes in many forms, some we can control and others such as sand, volcanic ash is very difficult to counter.

I believe that controls are being put in place to tackle the concerns raised about some forms of man made pollution. Hence higher taxes for vehicles who's emissions are high, strict controls on pollution from factories, fines for those companies who pollute our rivers. Fines for companies who break the law and pollute our atmosphere, land or water. The development of electric cars, cars whose emissions are zero, smokeless fuels and so on are constantly being developed and improved, however depending on your viewpoint possibly these are taking to long to be implemented.

Unfortunately despite controls that may well be in place, there are countries throughout the world which flout any laws or regulations. The TRNC is not perfect but I am sure that there are many countries throughout the world that are much worse.

Pollution is much higher up the political agenda so that has to be a positive.

Pollution is not new I am old enough to remember the Clean Air Acts when deadly smogs were strangling Londoners (this was a little after they abolished slavery and stopped putting little boys up chimneys ) Now traffic fumes are doing the job - seems the human race takes one step forward and two backward!

I also understand that there are cities where the population have to wear masks out of doors - how long before this is the case in Girne and surrounding villlages. Cyprus is lucky in its isolation in that so far as far as I know there is no industrial pollution such as is ruining the UK by polluting ground and rivers as well as air.

I think this is where your quotation is appropriate - we can do nothing about sand nor lava ash (though I didnt kow there were that many volcanoes near Cyprus). I am not sure about construction pollution - but we could mitigate the damage through cars by being less selfish in our choice of them, choice of route and driving techniques. But it does take courage to su ggest it.

Given the excluded status of the TRNC, Its consequential failure to have a conventional economy in which the Private sector pays for the public sector.
The attention to matters such as pollution, waste disposal, general infrastructure is a farce. The highly subsidised administration shows little desire, or ability to improve matters. Greed and self betterment prevails and foreigners, including most Turkish mainlanders are treated with contempt.
Northern Cyprus is being raped of its resources. The disregard for the islands beauty and assets is very sad. Visitors are generally badly treated and seldom return except for gamblers.

It is only the hardened enthusiast that can still seek out the good and best in the region.
You take it or leave it. I take it all in my stride and fortunately still see the positive aspects.

Smog - strangely enough, it affected many cities in the UK; not only London - I remember conductors walking in front of buses to guide them "oop north"- and apparently it is still a serious problem in Los Angeles and Beijing (to just mention a couple of places), and while Mount Etna (Sicily) is not within stepping distance, it is about 300 miles closer than Iceland to Europe.....

Jofra: I come originally from industrial South Yorkshire among t'pits and dark satanic Mills. When they had the bright idea of sandblasting buildings in Leeds they discovered that under the black was natural pale stone! But those lucky enough to have cars could get away into the Dales or the Derbyshire countryside to breath fresh air. Similarly the great parks used to be known and the "lungs " of London. Cyprus is too small to get away, unless you are able to survive on top of a mountain and looking at those some day s I suspect the pollution rises!

North Cyprus (like the beauty spots of England, the South West and Cotswold for instance) is rapidly becoming a Rich Mans Playground with the local people unable to live there and no real life to the place because so many people use it as a dormitory. Only at least in the UK the rich appreciate the country and fresh air - here it apppears they want to be sealed off from it in air conditioned ivory towers while the rest of nature is poisoned around them..they dont even appreciate beauty - just spoil it for everyone else

Today's Cyprus Today carries to following:

"A warning has been sounded for people to avoid a record number of jellyfısh that are appearıng ın TRNC coastal waters pobably as a result of rısıng[ pollutıon levels................ partıcularly ın the Gazimağusa and İskele regions, with experts warning the public not to touch them and to seek medical assistance if stung..... an explosive growth in the numbers each year since - 2009 - is now threatening the ecosystem[/u]"


More progress eh!