The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment has announced financial support for landowners as part of the Akamas Local Plan, aiming to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable development. The application period starts today, October 21, and runs until November 21, 2024.

Under "Measure 1," landowners in the Akamas region can receive annual subsidies of up to €6,600 per beneficiary, with a total budget of €25 million allocated until 2028.

According to an official statement, this measure aims to provide financial assistance to landowners through per-hectare subsidies, rewarding those who preserve their land in its natural state, thus contributing to the conservation of the landscape and the protection of the region’s unique biodiversity. The initiative seeks to ensure a sustainable and environmentally balanced future for Akamas.

"This measure, being implemented for the first time, is part of the electoral commitments of President Nikos Christodoulides and is one of the eleven measures promoted under the Akamas Local Plan," the statement noted. The primary goal of these measures is to enhance the socioeconomic activity of the communities, protect the natural environment, and promote sustainable development.

The measure aims to maintain a balance between development and environmental management in the area, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and the environment.

The subsidy is capped at €6,600 annually per beneficiary, with a total budget of €25 million until 2028. After this period, the measure will be reviewed, considering its effectiveness and the additional socioeconomic measures already in place to further support the region.

The Ministry of Agriculture clarified that the measure targets individuals and legal entities that own private land within the boundaries of the Akamas Local Plan. These areas fall under protection, agricultural, and livestock zones, covering approximately 93,460 decares in total.

To apply for the financial support, landowners must submit their applications online.

The Ministry has also organized regional visits to assist landowners who need guidance with the online application process. These visits will take place on November 7 at the Community Office of Ineia-Akamas Municipality and on November 8 at the Community Office of Neo Chorio-Polis Chrysochous Municipality.

The subsidy amount is set at €600 per hectare (€60 per decare), and payments under Measure 1 will be processed by the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization (KOAP).