Landowners in the Akamas area will be able to apply for annual financial support of up to €6,600 from 1 October, as the Agriculture Ministry continues a compensation scheme introduced alongside the Akamas Local Plan.
Applications for Measure 1 will be accepted from 1 October until 15 November 2026 through the online platform www.support-akamas.com, the Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Ministry announced.
Both individuals and legal entities, including companies, can apply.
€25m budget for 2024-2028
The scheme provides area-based payments to private landowners who preserve their plots in their natural condition, with the aim of protecting the Akamas landscape and its biodiversity.
The annual payment is set at €600 per hectare, or €60 per decare, with a maximum of €6,600 per beneficiary each year.
The total budget amounts to €25 million for the 2024-2028 period, financed through national funds.
After 2028, the measure will be reviewed based on its performance and the benefits arising from additional socioeconomic measures already being implemented to support the region.
According to the ministry, the scheme has received a positive response from the local community and is expected to provide significant assistance to landowners while addressing a longstanding issue in Akamas.
Who can apply?
The measure is available to individuals and legal entities owning private land within the boundaries of the Akamas Local Plan.
Eligible land must fall within protection, agricultural or livestock planning zones, covering a total area of approximately 93,460 decares.
Successful applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements and comply with obligations to maintain their property in its existing natural condition.
Agricultural activity can continue
Where agricultural activity is already taking place on a property, it can continue normally.
Land that is currently inactive must retain its natural vegetation, without interventions that disrupt the landscape, to help protect habitats, species and ecosystem services.
Owners are also prohibited from fencing the plot or carrying out interventions that alter its natural state.
Properties containing illegal developments or activities are excluded from funding.
Agricultural plots participating in Measure 1 can continue to participate in area-based schemes administered by the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO) and receive support under the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Existing users will therefore not be required to change their farming practices.
Applications through four-step online process
Applications must be submitted electronically by the landowner through www.support-akamas.com.
The ministry describes the platform as a simple system allowing applications to be completed in four clicks, with automatic verification of property ownership.
Applicants must have a verified CY Login account, formerly known as Ariadne, to complete the process.
Payments under Measure 1 will be processed by the Akamas Coordination Office.
Deadline on 15 November
Applications will remain open from 1 October to 15 November 2026. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.
For assistance with the application process, interested landowners can contact the support line on 22408952 or email support-akamas@moa.gov.cy.
The ministry has encouraged eligible landowners to participate, arguing that the payments provide financial support while helping preserve the natural landscape and unique biodiversity of Akamas.
Source: CNA
