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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I address the cultural conference on the Lyssos axes. Lysos, is one of the few villages in Cyprus with the largest territorial area, since the administrative boundaries of the village include, apart from the residential area, most of the Paphos forest up to the valley of the cedars, on its eastern border, where it borders the Nicosia district. The area of Lysos is very important from an environmental point of view since, together with the extensive forests, it hosts a rich biodiversity with numerous unique species of flora and fauna. Its cultural heritage dates back to the Bronze Age and its tradition is recorded in the history of the place. The testimony of the village's participation in all the struggles of the nation documents its Greek identity. The community, even today, faithfully preserves its traditions. Maxillas are a special product of Lysos and the wider region, which differs from other cured figs because of the way it is prepared and the fact that large figs are used, resulting in its special taste.
Friends,
Although the agricultural sector represents, in numbers, a small part of the country's Gross National Product, it nevertheless has a significant impact on the other sectors of the economy, thus multiplying its value. It helps to maintain the social fabric of rural areas and to reduce urbanisation and desertification. Moreover, agricultural activity protects and preserves the natural environment and landscape and helps to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading.
In order to maintain the production of the traditional product of Lysos, it is not enough to continue to produce it; it is also necessary to maintain existing crops and to create new ones with suitable varieties of figs. The expansion of the crops, together with appropriate promotion, will give prospects and hope to the community.
In recent years, great efforts have been made by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to provide all possible assistance for the registration of our traditional products in the registers of the European Union as Geographical Indication products. In addition, the draft bill for the establishment of a Cypriot label award scheme is in the final stage of legislative drafting in the Legal Service. This will give an additional boost to the Cypriot countryside, since the award of the label will essentially reflect the origin of the products and give them a differentiated presence in the market, linked to the place of production, as well as to the domestic raw material used for their composition.
We are determined to breathe new life into the agricultural sector, to chart a new course that responds to the needs and addresses the real problems of the rural world. Our aim is to support rural communities to remain vibrant centres of economic, social and cultural development, combining agriculture, tourism and the protection of our natural environment.
In closing, I would like to thank the Lysos Community Council, the Lysos Association of Expatriates and all those who worked for this beautiful event.
I take this opportunity to announce a sponsorship of 1000 euros to support the event.
Thank you.
Note. Haralambos Christodoulou.
(MΓ)
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