Filenews 10 December 2024 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The framework of measures to support development activity in the Akamas communities, which is expected to be fully implemented in the coming years, is ongoing, with some actions expected to be implemented in 2025.
The implementing body of the actions are the Ministries of Agriculture and Interior, as well as the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Essentially, the Republic of Cyprus, based on the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 30/8/2023, in the context of the implementation of the Akamas Local Plan, strengthens the socio-economic activity of the communities and at the same time enhances the protection of the environment. In this context, 11 support measures were defined.
One of the compensatory measures that has been decided and has already been implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment concerns the granting of a subsidy to landowners based on area, due to the contribution of rural plots to the protection of the landscape of the area, as well as to the preservation of biodiversity. By the end of the year, the amount due to them is expected to be paid into the beneficiaries' accounts. It is noted that the Church, Turkish Cypriots and some large landowners, although they had the right to apply, did not submit.
In total, 1,631 applications were submitted by both Cyprus and expatriates. The total area subsidized is 32,010.71 hectares (3,201,070.83 decares) on 6,741 pieces of land. The total amount of subsidy after the examination of applications amounts to €1.892.971. The measure is implemented through national resources, will be valid for five years and will be reviewed after the end of the five-year period, based on the benefits of the other measures. socio-economic support for the region. The communities included in the measure are: Ineia, Droushia, Kathikas, Neo Chorio, Kato Arodes, Pano Arodes, Fasli, Androlikou.
The measure concerning the design and implementation of a basic road network in residential zones aims at the immediate activation, as a matter of priority, of zones that have been unexploited for years due to the lack of infrastructure, as well as the activation of idle land that falls within the development zones and remains undeveloped. The Department of Town Planning undertook the planning with the aim of starting the implementation of the project within 2025.
One of the actions that runs is the establishment of a Local Coordination Office of Akamas, aiming at strengthening, informing, supporting, creating synergies and empowering local communities and the population with actions, programs, projects and the development, promotion and promotion of the area, acting as a local development mechanism. The evaluation process is expected to be completed by 30/2/2025. The responsible body for the promotion of this measure is the Department of Environment, which will proceed with a public tender for the recruitment of a consultant with the aim of establishing and operating the Office for 5 years. The total estimated cost is expected to reach €350.000 + VAT (€70.000 + VAT per year).
The creation of a craft area within the administrative boundaries of the Community of Ineia, which is under the responsibility of the Department of Town Planning and Housing, has been approved by the Environmental Authority. The main objective of the measure is the direct support of economic activity in the area through the organized housing of craft developments and the immediate revitalization of craft plots by interested entrepreneurs, contributing to the upgrading of the quality of the built environment. The implementation of the project will start in 2025 with a completion horizon of three years.
The Department of Forests has undertaken to study the utilization by the community of Ineia of the visitor service hub of the Akamas National Forest Park in the South Bay of Lara. One year after the relevant decision was taken, the final decision has not been taken. It is, however, expected to be re-evaluated within the framework of the action for a review of the infrastructure of the Akamas National Forest Park conducted by the Department of Forests and has not yet been completed, due to intense performances by environmental organizations, according to the competent Authority.
The Department of Town Planning and Housing proceeded to a study for recording, mapping and highlighting the spots that are characteristic drystone buildings in the countryside of the Local Plan, which were used in the past periodically by the local population to facilitate their agricultural occupations. Their remains are found scattered throughout the area of the Akamas Local Plan. The aim of the project is the restoration and promotion of the stigadia so that they can be included in the UNESCO cultural heritage sites.
Through the Deputy Ministry of Tourism there is coverage by the state of the operating costs of the community infrastructure / museums of the communities of Akamas. The necessary appropriations have already been secured by the Ministry of Agriculture and the process of sending it to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism for implementation has proceeded. The total cost is €40,000 per year for five years. The Ministry of Agriculture is of the opinion that the amount is not enough to meet the needs of communities and is looking for solutions to increase the amount.
A request concerning the examination of the possibility of creating or moving a livestock area within the administrative boundaries of the community of Neo Chorio and implemented by the Department of Town Planning and Housing has been approved by the Environmental Authority. The measure concerns the creation of five livestock plots to promote organized housing for livestock developments and the direct use of the plots by interested livestock breeders.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior has undertaken the financing of public utility projects through existing aid schemes and consideration of any additional requests from the communities.
At €5 per kilo sea salt and utilization of climbing rocks
One of the measures implemented concerns the utilization of sea salt in the area of Lara within the Akamas National Forest Park by the community of Ineia, based on conditions set by the competent Services. The measure is run by the Department of Forests and the relevant contract was implemented by Frederick University. The report includes available basic information, field data, PESTEL analysis and possible scenarios for salt utilization.
Based on the information collected, the available amount of salt ranges from 30-50 tons, depending on the season and weather. The estimated amount obtained from the sale of salt amounts to €5 per kilo (potential total amount €150,000 to €250,000). The results of the chemical analysis showed that salt is suitable for human consumption. Therefore, the scenarios selected are: First, visits to the Lara Salt Lake where visitors will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditional method of salt collection and processing. Secondly, selling salt in specific areas. Such areas are areas of mild infrastructure for visitor management and service (e.g. in refreshment / shading areas, souvenir shops).
At the same time, the Department of Forests undertook to promote the request for the exploitation of the climbing rocks of Ineia, based on conditions set by the competent Services. The contract was implemented by One Step Further Ltd. The prevailing scenario for rock management is to conduct rock climbing in a healthy way that takes into account the benefit of local communities and the development of their tourism product, the protection of the environment and the safe and rational conduct of the activity.
