NGOs and individuals contesting the Ahrax and Mizieb deal signed between the Lands Authority and FKNK, intend to appeal a ruling of the Tribunal for Administrative Review, as they were denied legal standing in the case being heard before the Tribunal.

The Tribunal decided that the parties contesting the deal did not qualify as 'aggrieved persons' under the law because they were not 'notified of the decision' by the Lands Authority. Hence the Tribunal decided that the Tribunal was not the right forum to hear the case.

The NGOs, in a statement, said they are concerned that this preliminary decision would effectively mean that no third parties can contest a decision by the Lands Authority in front of the Tribunal for Administrative Review.

The NGOs announced that they will be appealing this preliminary decision in front of the Court of Appeal and in all other fora.

The NGOs wish to thank the public for their support so far. NGOs have had success in overcoming questions of legal standing in the past and remain hopeful that the woodlands will eventually be returned to the public for the enjoyment of all.