PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Akamas National Park in Cyprus has been under pressure of development for tourism. The project seeks to assist in the economic revival of participating rural communities by sustainable means, thereby demonstrating that the preservation of the area's wildlife and architectural character could be a source of income and employment. The project introduces the concept of green tourism based on the restoration of existing buildings, introduces the idea of growing aromatic herbs commercially, and demonstrates how NGOs can usefully initiate and contribute to a planned development process. OBJECTIVES: Phases I-III of the project, carried out during 1989-1992, focused on agro-tourism. Proposals were prepared for each village in the area. Restoration work was carried out on buildings that would attract visitors and/or serve as accommodation. Phase IV of the project has four main objectives: 1. To continue the beautification of important sites and the restoration of traditional buildings. Seventeen buildings received assistance for this purpose under Phase III. Site beautification is also being undertaken, to create a nature garden, an eco-museum, a specialised local museum, and a tourist pavilion, and to carry out façade restoration and general upgrading such as signposting, affixing plaques to buildings, and marking nature walks. The Laona Project Architect is supervising and coordinating the project. 2. To introduce the cultivation of aromatic herbs and bee-keeping to the area. Thyme, balm and oregano will be grown in an area of 5000 m and extended to currently uncultivated lands if successful. Drip irrigation will be provided, as will storage and drying facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture will support this phase of the project. Produce from the project (both honey and herbs) will be sold locally at first, with expansion of markets envisaged. 3. To offer technical assistance for infrastructure works undertaken by the District Administration. These include a refuse collection scheme and road improvements. 4. To market and promote Laona to 'green' tour operators. Work on this has already been started under earlier Phases. Phase IV includes invitations to journalists and participation in specialised exhibitions. Development of contacts between local owners and tour operators is also foreseen. Association with the Laona Foundation is planned, to ensure long-term continuity for this element of the project.