UNFICYP’s toxic secret: Cyprus peacekeepers’ waste incinerator raises concerns
The disturbing reality
Deep within the United Nations buffer zone in Cyprus, a toxic secret has been hidden in plain sight. For decades, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been incinerating its waste without adequate measures to protect the environment and the local population. The practice has raised serious concerns among environmental activists, residents and experts.
The history of the incinerator
The incinerator, located in the village of Tymbou, has been operational since the 1970s. Initially, it was designed to burn organic waste, such as food waste and medical waste. However, over the years the facility has expanded its scope to include the burning of plastic, batteries and even hazardous materials. This expansion has led to increased toxic emissions and concerns about air and water pollution.
Environmental consequences
Local residents have reported difficulty breathing, skin irritations and breathing problems, which they attribute to emissions from the incinerator. The UNFICYP waste incineration facility is located near the Cyprus-Vatican border, and some residents live just a few hundred meters away. Constant exposure to toxic fumes has become a way of life for them.
The failure of the Force
Despite these concerns, the Force has been slow to resolve the problem. The organization has consistently rejected criticism, saying the incinerator meets international standards. However, environmental experts say these standards are outdated and do not take into account the long-term health impacts of exposure to toxic emissions.
The search for a solution
As pressure mounts, UNFICYP has begun exploring alternative solutions. In 2020, the organization launched a feasibility study to evaluate the construction of a new state-of-the-art waste management facility. The plan is to move the incinerator to a remote region, away from populated areas, and invest in recycling and composting programs.
UNFICYP’s toxic secrecy has raised serious concerns about the environmental and health impacts of the waste incineration facility. As the world moves toward more sustainable practices, it is imperative that organizations like the UN prioritize environmental protection and the well-being of local communities. The Cyprus conflict has already caused so much damage; It is unacceptable to allow a toxic waste incinerator to continue to poison the air and water.
Residents, environmental activists and experts are calling for the immediate closure of the UNFICYP incinerator and the adoption of sustainable waste management practices. The international community must pressure the UN to prioritize the well-being of Cypriot residents and take concrete steps towards a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
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