The pilot area (180 km2 with approximately 3 400 inhabitants) has a strong cultural identity, limited but varied local activity and relatively good infrastructure close to two major urban centres, Limassol and Paphos. The 15 villages which make up this area with a rich Byzantine heritage nestle into the agricultural landscape characteristic of semi-mountainous winegrowing regions with dry stone terraces.

In spite of being a pleasant place to live, the area is suffering gradual depopulation as people move to the urban centres in the region. Most of the working population are employed in Limassol and there are few job opportunities for young people. Agriculture is no longer profitable and wine production is increasingly for private consumption only. The landscape is changing as a result: unmaintained terraces are crumbling away; vines are being uprooted or are growing wild. Any new buildings are holiday homes which are occupied on a seasonal basis. The national authorities have started infrastructure schemes and projects to support tourism and preserve the architectural heritage. Steps have been taken to limit the damage caused by fires. However, these investments are not enough to counter the current trends threatening the identity and value of the villages. While other more problematic investments are threatening the traditional activities relating to winegrowing, the new investments in wine production involve mechanisation which makes it necessary to replace the dry stone walls with concrete structures that have an impact on the landscape.

The LDPP seeks to generate debate about development based more on the local communities and on traditional skills that can produce alternative types of tourism more in line with the area’s capacities and identity. The fostering of local will, the engagement of the communities and the expression of their desire for sustainable development should underpin the preparation of a regional development strategy. Recent legislation introduces new procedures fostering citizen participation and giving communities greater responsibilities. The LDPP is an opportunity for trying out new types of participation and generating projects capable of attracting investors. The development and formalisation of these mechanisms that enhance future development plans will serve as a model for other regions in Cyprus and will have an impact on the various sectorial policies and help build on the areas’ cultural resources.

• Project website