[PIO] Address by the Deputy Director of the Forestry Department Mr. Andreas Christou at the inauguration of the Troodos Observatory in Agridia

It is with great pleasure that I am with you today to briefly address the inauguration of the Troodos Observatory.

The Troodos Observatory is one of the main deliverables of the project entitled "Astronomy and the natural environment - an alternative product for the development and promotion of the geoparks of the Eastern Mediterranean" under the acronym "GEOSTARS".

GEOSTARS is implemented in the framework of the Interreg V-A Cooperation Programme Greece - Cyprus 2014-2020 and is co-funded by 85% by the European Union and 15% by national resources of Greece and Cyprus. The project started in June 2018 and, after an extension by the Managing Authority, was completed in December 2023, with an initial budget of 2.678.400 euros.

The collaborating institutions from Cyprus are the Forestry Department as lead partner, the Troodos Community Development Company, the Community Council of Agridia, the Limassol District Administration and the Research Institute of the University of Nicosia. From Greece, the Municipality of Sitia, the University of Crete and the Greek Ministry of Tourism. The total expenditure for the Cypriot partners amounted to 1.750.00 Euro.

The focus of the project activities was the creation or upgrading of stargazing infrastructure in Crete and Cyprus, such as the construction of the Troodos Observatory in Agridia Community, the creation of an open-air stargazing area in the Troodos National Forest Park (NWP), the creation of the Sitia Star School and the upgrading of the Skinakas Observatory on the top of Psiloritis.

The project aims, through cooperation, at a global innovation of joint development of astrotourism in the three Geoparks of the Eastern Mediterranean (Troodos in Cyprus, Psiloritis and Sitia in Crete), in order to make the region internationally known for this subject, exploiting their common advantages, such as good weather conditions that provide observation opportunities for a large part of the year, the geographical location of the areas and the absence of corresponding infrastructures for this form of alternative tourism.

The Forestry Department played an important role in achieving the objectives and completing the project deliverables. As lead partner, it was responsible for the coordination and management of the project, which was implemented by the Project Team of Forestry Department officials and with the support of an external consultant. The Project Team of Forestry Department officials had the final responsibility for communication with both the Managing Authority and the Joint Technical Secretariat to manage the financial and physical scope of the project as the Lead Beneficiary and support in project management and coordination for the Forestry Department.

The Forestry Department undertook the monitoring of the project implementation at local level and in particular of the actions under the responsibility of the partner as lead partner, ensuring the quality of the final deliverables.

Through its participation in the "GEOSTARS" project, the Department has implemented infrastructure projects that will improve the attractiveness and tourism product of the Troodos National Park and the Troodos Geopark, enriching the area with a new type of infrastructure and visitor experience. More specifically:

1. Recognizing the need to enrich the Troodos National Park with new infrastructures for popular activities, the Forestry Department has proceeded to create a model outdoor stargazing area in the abandoned field of Pano Amiantos, approximately 500 meters from the Troodos Botanical Garden. The space gives the stargazing enthusiast the opportunity to practice his activity in ideal conditions of light and isolation.
2. The reception and information of visitors to the Troodos Observatory has been upgraded, with the creation of entrances to the Observatory, the upgrading of viewpoints and entrances to its excursion areas and the installation of information points.
3. A vehicle traffic counter was installed on the main road of the Troodos National Park, Karvounas - Troodos, which provides important information about the visitor traffic and the main periods of visitor arrival at the Troodos National Park, demonstrating its exceptional importance as a visitor destination.

Astrotourism is an alternative form of tourism that can significantly enrich the (rural) tourism product of a region, strengthening mountain communities and contributing to environmental education and ecological protection.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the Forestry Department will continue to support the efforts made within the framework of the actions for the development of the Observatory, as well as the efforts to create conditions for the development of mountain areas and the attraction of investments in directions such as the creation of new forms of alternative tourism with the aim of improving the visitability and, consequently, the economic development of the project and the surrounding area.

Thank you.

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Note: The address was read by the Senior Forestry Officer Mr. Christodoulos Christodoulou, on behalf of the Deputy Director of the Forestry Department.

(GA/EATH)
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