According to Mr. Hambiaouris, the National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities (NSADC) is "a substantial and courageous model of development", which is continuously enriched with a structured, holistic and targeted programme of projects, actions and support plans developed by the Ministries.
He said that the horizontal interventions, of an institutional nature, involve Bills and studies of strategic importance, which will be completed within 2022, with the significant contribution of the Legislative Commissioner Louisa Zannetou and the cooperation of the Ministries of Interior, Energy, Agriculture and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
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At the same time, he added, actions of a multisectoral and holistic nature[/B] are in progress or have been completed, concerning all sectors of human activity, with a focus, first and foremost, on people.
He also said that within the framework of the ESAOC and the close relations and partnerships that have been developed with academic institutions, organisations, organised groups, local authorities and other bodies, more than 30 actions/projects have been completed or are in progress[/B], such as, for example, the creation of the university farm of the CUT in Lofou, the creation of two thematic museums in Agios Ambrosios and Pachna, while the procedures for the creation of the Experiential Museum of Cypriot Fairy Tales in Koilani are being promoted.
He said that buildings in Agios Ioannis Pitsilia were utilized by the Fine Arts Department of the CUT, while two other Memoranda of Understanding between the same university and mountain communities are being prepared.
Indicatively, Mr. Hampiouris mentioned projects and actions related to health and social welfare, education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, culture, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture and environment and energy upgrading.
He said that one of the key priorities of the current government is building a health system adapted to local conditions, as well as the provision of social services that will improve the quality of life and ensure decent living. In this context, more than 25 projects have been completed or are underway by the Ministries of Health and Labour and the State Ministry of Social Welfare.
Among others, he said, they aimed at the functional upgrading of premises and infrastructure at the Troodos Hospital, the completion of the Physiology and Pulmonology Clinic, as well as the upgrading of services, with the recruitment of doctors and nursing staff.
Among other things, he said, they aimed at the functional upgrading of premises and infrastructure at the Troodos Hospital, the completion of the Physiology and Pulmonology Clinic, as well as the upgrading of services, with the recruitment of doctors and nursing staff. He also mentioned the strengthening of the operation and services provided by ambulances, as well as a regional Centre for the Support of the Elderly and Disabled, in Fini, and one in Palaichori will soon start operating.
The Commissioner said that they are also proceeding with the establishment of Infant Care Centres in Kalopanayoti, which are already operating in Pachna, Agia Marina Xyliatou and Trimiklini.
In the education sector, he said that the main direction set is to expand and improve the educational services provided, treating Troodos as an Education Priority Zone, where special educational arrangements will apply. In the higher education sector, a study is expected to be completed in March to formulate an incentive plan to attract local and foreign universities to establish and operate departments and/or faculties in Troodos, the Commissioner said.
He also said that in order to transform the mountainous areas of Troodos into an attractive sustainable environment of innovation, learning, research, inventiveness of new business opportunities, they are proceeding with the implementation of an important and strategic action, with the establishment of a branch of the Ministry of State for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (MoRISP) in Platres.
According to Mr. Hambiaouris, "the culture of Troodos is an important asset that can be interconnected with both tourism and the business ecosystem of the region". In cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, the Deputy Ministries of Tourism, Research and Innovation, the Department of Antiquities and other agencies, they proceeded to implement a series of actions related to the promotion and promotion of the cultural resources of Troodos, he said, as well as the maintenance, restoration, upgrading and exploitation of monuments, the creation of a Cyprus Digital Heritage Repository, the implementation of Programmes and Grant Schemes for craft workshops.
He also said that with structured initiatives, actions and projects, they created the conditions for the new mountain tourism product Troodos, which focuses on establishing it as a year-round experience destination.
The Commissioner said that one of the most important areas of the Strategy and the cell of the productive sector in Troodos is agriculture and the environment, for which they have implemented more than 45 actions to date and are exploiting every opportunity for the benefit of farmers, residents and the environment, while resolving key issues.
With regard to the management and protection of the natural environment and natural resources of national importance, they are implementing a series of actions aimed at promoting the circular economy, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
He also said that the Government, placing special emphasis on the area of road infrastructure, connectivity and accessibility, has proceeded to prioritize and plan the construction of road projects.
Mr. Hambiaouris said that the Office of the Commissioner for Mountain Community Development, in addition to overseeing and horizontally coordinating the entire government machinery with regard to the implementation of the NAPC, supports local authorities and attends meetings on issues within its areas of responsibility.
"We have won the first big bet. Planning became action and promises became projects for sustainable long-term development and prosperity. For the mountain communities of tomorrow," he said."
He said they would continue with the same dedication, planning and determination to implement the Government's National Strategy and policies, putting the people of mountain communities at the centre of their efforts. "We owe it to them and we will succeed," he said."
Source: CNA
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