The funds have been approved by the European Union’s operational programme ‘Leader’ for the period 2014-2020.

ANALEM Director, Rakis Pierides, speaking to Phileleftheros, said that the company is actively and continuously involved in utilising EU funds for the development of Limassol’s rural communities.

Approximately €3.3 million is earmarked for rural areas to finance infrastructures in local communities including multi-functional youth centres, information centres, parks etc. as well as agrotourism.

Private agro-touristic developments will be partly financed to a maximum of 50% and will cover the construction of modern tourist accommodation, coffee shops, restaurants and shops selling traditional produce.

The remaining €2.3 million is earmarked for fishery areas, and the funds will be distributed with the help of the Fisheries Department and will be used to fund the building and renovation of fish taverns and the improvement of the fishing industry.

The programme includes some innovative projects including the construction of a meteorological station and the adoption of environmental quality flags in fishery areas.

Source: InCyprus