Filenews 22 February 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
The procedures for the implementation of the Akamas National Park may be postponed and fall into new difficulties and reactions, but on the peninsula the first projects of the new year are normally promoted as far as its communities are concerned. Two such projects have already been signed and are being promoted in the community of Arodes. This is the creation of walking and cycling routes, as well as a small observatory, the contracts for the implementation of which have already been held by the District Officer of Paphos.
These are projects costing more than half a million euros and a duration of 12 months. As stated by the District Officer of Paphos, Mary Lambrou, the promoted project matured through the Pafos District Administration with the necessary studies and preparatory work in collaboration with the Community Council and private designers, and the building permit was secured from August 2021.
"The project will promote the environment as well as historical and religious points of the area," he said. "The flora will be promoted, mainly the matsikorida, old kilns, cave and others. The project will also include a small observatory."
The coordinator of the project is the Pafos District Administration and the implementation amount comes entirely from the State Budget, since the Akamas communities have zero contribution to the projects.
As it is known, Mary Lambrou pointed out, the Akamas Regional CentRE for Geology and Paleontology is already operating in Pano Arodes with encouraging signs. The project was completed a few months ago through the Pafos District Administration with an expense of €520,000 and was co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the State.
"It is considered that both mentioned projects can be combined and become a pole of attraction for visitors for the region," he said. "The community of Pano Arodon has a rich environment with a diverse historical reserve with findings and monuments. Through their promotion, it will become an alternative destination for visitors. The project is important for the Community and the wider area of Akamas. Three routes will be formed with a common starting point the Square of the community, with a circular direction, that is, they will return to the same point. These routes will be for both walkers and cyclists, with most of them located along the existing roads."
The three routes are as follows:
Route 1: Kato Vrisi- Astroparko-Myloi-Pano Arodes
Route 2: Panagia Chrysospiliotissa-Cave of Christinous-Pano Arodes
Route 3: Kokkinoges-Kamini-Lipati-Pano Arodes
"In addition to the points where construction works are being carried out and information signs for each point, signs will be placed for the indication and signalling of each route with direction signs along the route course, as well as with general information maps at the starting point of the routes", concluded the District Officer of Paphos. "In addition to important and remarkable points of the routes, kiosks with sitting benches will be built as "Viewpoints".
