Committed to the President's announcements and policy on mountain communities, we present today the progress of the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities, which is a substantial and courageous model of development, which is neither monothematic nor static, but, as we shall see below, is continuously enriched with a structured, holistic and targeted programme of projects, actions, as well as support plans prepared by the Ministries.
Starting from the horizontal interventions of an institutional nature, to which the President of the Republic referred, we reiterate that these are bills and studies of strategic importance, which will be completed within 2022, with the significant contribution of the Legislation Commissioner Ms Louisa Zannetou and the cooperation of the Ministries of Interior, Energy, Agriculture and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
Alongside the horizontal interventions, actions of a multisectoral and holistic nature are underway or have been completed, which concern all sectors of human activity, with a focus, first and foremost, on people. In the following we will present indicative actions, because, as you understand, it is not possible in the time available to present all the actions that are in progress.
Health and Social Welfare
One of the main priorities of the present Government is to build a health system adapted to local conditions, as well as to provide social services that will improve the quality of life and ensure a decent living. In this context, more than 25 projects have been completed or are in progress by the Ministries of Health and Labour and the State Ministry of Social Welfare.
We aimed at the functional upgrading of premises and infrastructure at the Troodos Hospital, the completion of the Pneumology and Pulmonology Clinic, as well as the upgrading of services, with the recruitment of doctors and nursing staff.
At the same time, we have strengthened the operation and the services provided by ambulances, with the creation of ambulance stations in Evrychou and Kampos, as well as the reinforcement of the station in Pedoulas. In addition, physiotherapy centres are currently operating in Agios Theodoros Pitsilia, Pera Pedi, Lania and Kalopanayiotis.
At the same time, we have secured social workers for the creation of three Counselling Centres, while we are proceeding with the creation of Infant Care Centres: in Kalopanayiotis (already operating), in Pachna, in Agia Marina Xyliatos and in Trimiklini.
Education
The main direction formed in the field of education is to expand and improve the educational services provided, treating Troodos as an Educational Priority Zone, where special educational arrangements will apply.
The institution of optional all-day schools was extended to primary and kindergartens, summer schools were opened, the Winery - Viticulture branch was created in Omodos, while the Agriculture branch is expected to open next September at Solea High School. The Mitsis Lemithos Commercial School was upgraded to a Special Interest Economic-Commercial School and, in a broader horizontal policy framework, distance education supported by digital media was developed, as well as the allocation of time to small schools and class clusters.
In the field of higher education, the completion of the study on the formulation of an incentive plan to attract local and foreign universities to establish and operate departments and/or faculties in Troodos is expected in March.
Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
In order to transform the mountainous areas of Troodos into an attractive sustainable environment of innovation, learning, research, inventiveness, new business opportunities for all population groups, as well as support for local authorities and residents, we are proceeding with the implementation of an important and strategic action, with the creation of a branch of the YFECPSP in Platres.
The Annex, among other things, will offer training and information services for the use of digital technologies and skills development, as well as support and guidance for the development of innovative business or research activities in the region.
Finally, through the RESTART Programme, which targets agro-technology and green growth, funding has been provided for research and innovation in mountain areas, while projects, actions and Projects of a horizontal nature are underway, such as: broadband infrastructure and services for high In cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, the Deputy Ministries of Tourism, Research and Innovation, the Department of Antiquities and other bodies, we have proceeded to implement a series of actions related to the promotion and promotion of the cultural resources of Troodos, the maintenance, restoration, upgrading and exploitation of monuments, the creation of the Cyprus Digitized Cultural Heritage Repository, the implementation of Programmes and Plans for the subsidization of handicraft workshops, while the operation of the Network of Open Houses is underway, etc.p]
Tourism
With structured initiatives, actions and projects, we have created the conditions for the new mountain tourism product Troodos, which focuses on establishing it as a year-round destination of experiences. In addition to the 20 actions that have either been completed or are in progress and mainly concern the shaping of experiences and activities, with the flagship project "Heartland of Legends" (authentic route of experiences), the development of special and alternative forms of tourism, the promotion and promotion of local resources, products and services, the upgrading and certification of the offered services and products, the evaluation of accommodation, education and training, the strengthening of tourism businesses, the holistic development of the Mountain Sports Resorts, the promotion of the tourism industry and the development of the mountain sports facilities. At the same time, the Ministry of State, in order to maximise its offer, also presented a series of Plans and Grants for Mountain Cyprus. Finally, in collaboration with our Office, it undertook the Scientific and Techno-economic Study for the creation of the Ecomuseum "Dasoessa". Exploitation of the historical site of Asbestos.
Agriculture and Environment
One of the most important sectors of ESAOK and the cell of the productive sector in Troodos is agriculture and the environment, for which we 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.
Agriculture and Environment
One of the most important sectors of ESAOK and the cell of the productive sector in Troodos is agriculture and the environment, for which we 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.
We are promoting the development of an integrated production, certification and promotion system for Troodos products. To this end, specific Measures and Investment Plans are being implemented to support the agricultural and livestock sector, with emphasis on mountainous areas. At the same time, we aim, through various actions, to strengthen and upgrade the support mechanism for agriculture and farmers. We support the creation of producer cooperation structures, while the networking of specialized research institutions for the development and transfer of applied research in Troodos is underway.
With regard to the management and protection of the natural environment and natural resources of national importance, we are implementing a series of actions aimed at promoting the circular economy, sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. Vegetation management measures in the Troodos State Forest, while in 2022, the Forestry Department will proceed with the implementation of fire protection measures within state forests.
At the same time, we have completed or are in progress a large number of projects related to the Wastewater Treatment System, the Water Management System, the construction of Sewers, the development and operation of a Waste Transfer Station and the implementation of the solid waste sorting system at source.
At the same time, we have completed or are in progress a large number of projects related to the Wastewater Treatment System, the Water Management System, the construction of Sewers, the development and operation of a Waste Transfer Station and the implementation of the solid waste sorting system at source.
Strengthening business activity
In addition to what has been mentioned above to create and support a competitive new mountain economy, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry is promoting incentive and sponsorship schemes for the creation of new and innovative enterprises and the upgrading of existing crafts, as well as the strengthening of manufacturing activity, with the parallel legal definition of the function of "cottage industry".
At the same time, the Ministry of Labour supports enterprises in finding labour and responds to their needs.
Connectivity and Accessibility Infrastructure (Road Network)
The Government, placing particular emphasis on the area of road network infrastructure, connectivity and accessibility, has proceeded to prioritise and plan the construction of road projects and the improvement of accessibility. Major road projects are underway, including the Limassol - Saita road (first phase), the Astromeritis - Evrychou motorway is in the bidding process, the Pelendri bypass (Phase 1 completed), while the Nicosia - Paleochori motorway will be tendered in 2022. At the same time, improvement works on mountain roads are carried out annually, either by the Provincial Administrations or by Public Works.
Targeting the use of public transport, the process of improving the existing infrastructure of bus stops by installing modern bus shelters (in some cases closed) is underway, as well as the creation of appropriate signs for the routes and the use of telematics.
Security Services
As part of upgrading the security services provided in mountain communities, we are investing in infrastructure projects and strengthening fire and police stations.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, the Cyprus Police and the Fire Service, we have made additions/modifications/upgrades to Police and Fire Stations, for example, in Kakopetria, Kampos, Platres, Kalo Horio, Moniatis and Evrychou, as well as the construction of new Stations in Lania, Pachna, Pedoulas and Kyvides. At the same time, the procedures for the construction of a heliport in Linou to meet the needs of firefighting, search and rescue are progressing.
Finally, among other things, we interconnected, free of charge, UNESCO Monuments with the central security system of the Police.
Energy Upgrading
One of the main directions of ESAOK in the energy sector is the reduction of energy costs through the promotion of innovative energy policies to support the residents and businesses of the region, which the present Government, with determination, is proceeding with the implementation of Plans specifically for mountainous Cyprus. Specifically, it is implementing Energy Upgrade Plans for residential buildings (with double subsidies for houses located in mountainous areas), while on 16 March, the Council of Ministers has approved, by the Council of Ministers, Sponsorship Plans for the energy upgrading of buildings and businesses, as well as Local Authorities and entities of the wider public sector, including the conversion of buildings into "buildings with near-zero energy consumption".
At the same time, aiming at green development and reduction of energy costs, the Government promoted the Virtual net-metering Project.
Community regeneration and infrastructure projects
In addition to the generous housing schemes and allowances announced by the Minister of Interior, a number of other projects, in addition to the 25 (in Nicosia and Limassol), are being promoted or have already been completed by the Ministry of Interior to regenerate communities. For example, among others, the craft area in Linou, the star observatory in Agridia, the School of Gastronomy in Moniatis, redevelopment and landscaping of cores and other areas, creation of parking lots, museums, parks, youth and cultural activity centres, offices and community clinics, restoration, renovation, maintenance and construction of community buildings, execution of flood protection works, improvement of the quality of street lighting and much more.
Office of the Commissioner for Mountain Community Development
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 NDCA, supports local authorities and attends meetings on issues within its areas of responsibility.
In addition, the Office in Trimiklini acts as a reception and service centre for the public, providing information on all of the above. At the same time, it informs the public about the work of the Office and the policies of the Government through the "EPITROPOS ESAOK TROODUS" application (app), the Office's website and Social Media.
In the framework of ESAOK, but also of the close relations and partnerships we have developed with academic institutions, organizations, organized groups, local authorities and other bodies, more than 30 actions/projects have been completed or are in progress, such as for example.
- The utilization of building facilities in Agios Ioannis Pitsilia by the Department of Fine Arts of CTEPAK. While two more Memoranda of Understanding between CTEPAK and mountain communities are being prepared.
- The establishment and operation of a Training Centre for Broadcasting Media in Evrychou, in cooperation with the Cyprus Broadcasting Authority and the Community Council of Evrychou.
- The establishment and operation of a Training Centre for Broadcasting Media in Evrychou, in cooperation with the Cyprus Broadcasting Authority and the Community Council of Evrychou.
- The creation of camping areas for students in Lofou, Arsos and Vasa Koilaniou, in cooperation with Federations and Community Councils, while a site for the Pancyprian Federation of Associations of Parents of Children with Special Needs (POSYGOPEA) is expected to be found.
- 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.
- The creation of a mobile shop by Cyta (Cyta Mobile Shop), which operates routes in mountainous areas for the convenience of residents.
- Mechanisms were created to support residents in mountainous areas during the lockdown due to the pandemic, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and the Office of the Ombudsman.
- Vaccination centres were opened in mountain communities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and local authorities.
- In cooperation with ministries, agencies, provincial administrations and other bodies, more than 80 issues received by the Office were resolved.
Following faithfully the President's vision of sustainable development of mountain communities, today, we cannot but feel justified for the policy we are implementing, creating all those opportunities for mountain people and our land.
We have won the first big bet.
We have won the first big bet. Planning became action and promises became deeds for sustainable long-term growth and prosperity. For the highlands of tomorrow.
In conclusion, I would like to express my thanks to His Excellency the President of the Republic for his confidence and continued support. I owe warm thanks to the Chairman of the Interministerial Committee, Mr. Nikos Nouri, and the other members of the Council of Ministers, as well as to the Commissioners for Legislation and Citizenship and the Directors General of the Ministries for their cooperation. The Deputy Minister to the President, Mr Kyriakos Kousios, and the Secretary of the Council of Ministers, Mr Theodosis Tsiolas, for their contribution and their unreserved support for our work. Warm thanks for the excellent cooperation to the Union of Communities and especially to its friendly President, the Presidents and members of the Community Councils, as well as to all the officials and stakeholders for their contribution.
Let me reiterate that we will continue with the same commitment, planning and determination to implement the National Strategy and the Government's policies, placing the residents of the mountain communities at the centre of our efforts. We owe it to them and we will succeed.
Thank you.
(EK/SX)
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