Akamas landowners to apply for preservation subsidies from October

Nicosia, Cyprus. Landowners in the Akamas area will be able to apply for compensatory measures under Measure 1 from October for not developing their plots, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday.

The scheme provides financial aid for owners who preserve the landscape and protect the region’s biodiversity.

Applications and funding

Online applications will open on October 1 and close on November 15. Individuals and legal entities owning private land within designated urban, agricultural or farming zones can apply through www.support-akamas.com.

The eligible area totals 93,460 decares, with one decare equivalent to 1,000 square metres.

Annual subsidies of up to €6,600 per beneficiary will be available for the 2024-2028 period under a €25 million budget. The measure will be reassessed after that period.

The subsidy is set at €600 per hectare, with one hectare equal to 10 decares, subject to a maximum payment of €6,600.

Eligibility conditions

Land used for agricultural purposes may continue to be cultivated. Unused plots must remain undeveloped to preserve natural vegetation.

Beneficiaries may not fence their properties or carry out interventions that alter their natural state. Land with illegal development is not eligible for the subsidy.

Agricultural plots may also continue participating in Agricultural Payment Organisation schemes and receiving subsidies.

Application process

The ministry said the local community had responded positively to the measure and urged all eligible landowners to use the subsidies.

Applications require a verified CYlogin account and include automatic documentation of ownership. Further information is available through the support line on 22408952 or by email at [email protected]