The development of rural areas is a priority for the Government, because this way desertification and urbanization will be prevented, said the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Kostas Kadis.
In his greeting at the opening ceremony of the projects Redevelopment of the Fountain Square and Upgrading of the Constantine Municipal Park of Athienou, on Tuesday and broadcast by the GTP, the Minister mentioned that these are two projects that were implemented using the Leader initiative and Measure 19 of Rural Development Program to support local development, through the Development Company of the Provinces of Larnaca and Famagusta.
He added that “the regeneration of the historical square of Vrysis in “Gastra” and the surrounding area is expected to have multiple benefits for the local society. The preservation of our cultural heritage is our obligation to previous and future generations”.
As Mr. Kadis said “the difficulties of our ancestors to supply water to their homes, such a valuable commodity which for us today is a given, their progressive thinking and their determination to find solutions to the problems they faced, are for everyone our source of inspiration, which we must highlight. Additionally, the beautification and upgrading of the square is expected to enable the development of small businesses in the surrounding area, with a significant contribution to the local economy and job creation”.
Referring to the upgrade of the Constantine Municipal Park of Athienou, Mr. Kadis said that it “is expected to contribute practically to the improvement of the quality of life not only of the residents of Athienou but also of the neighboring communities. The Park is a special and safe meeting point for families, children, young people and people of all ages, a place of rest, sports and recreation, a real jewel for the Municipality of Athienou and the local community”.
As the Minister said, “the two specific projects, together with two other smaller related projects to restore the facade of preserved buildings in the area, were financed with the amount of 413 thousand euros from the Rural Development Program and the LEADER initiative. LEADER is a key tool of the European Union to encourage the actors of rural areas to join forces and implement integrated and multi-sectoral local development strategies”.
In his greeting, the Minister of Agriculture also referred to the new programming period 2023-2027 for rural development, which, as he said, “provides for the strengthening of efforts to address the challenges presented in rural areas, where innovative approaches are required, with a holistic and sustainable character.”
In this effort, he added, “the LEADER intervention is called upon to contribute, in order to limit the adverse consequences of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Through the LEADER approach, pilot actions can be financed, with the aim of expanding the scope for finding solutions”.
People in rural areas, he continued, “are invited to think creatively and find practical solutions to the challenges they face in the their daily life. Under LEADER, actions to create new businesses and jobs in the countryside through cottage industry, handicrafts and agro-tourism can be strengthened, as well as actions to address problems in the infrastructure sector, by financing small-scale public infrastructure.'
Mr. Kadis also stated that “the development of rural areas is a priority for the Government because only in this way will we prevent desertification and urbanization. I am convinced that infrastructure projects combined with the creativity and ingenuity of local communities, as well as the rich cultural and natural heritage of the countryside, will contribute to the emergence of rural areas as cores of economic and cultural development”.
