Local Development Strategy North West Area
Transkript
Local Development Strategy North West Area
001 LEADER PROGRAMME NORTH WEST AREA LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA LEADER PROGRAMME NORTH WEST AREA LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Nicosia, 14 December 2010 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 2 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Table of Contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. 4 I - Territorial Profile of the NWA ......................................................................................................... 5 1. The social, demographic and infrastructure base .................................................................... 5 1.1 – Three neighbouring municipalities with good infrastructure ...................................................6 1.2 – Demography, employment and social services ......................................................................8 2. A rich natural and historical heritage ...................................................................................... 12 2.1 – Fragile and threatened environment ...................................................................................... 12 2.2 – An heritage which would deserve a better consideration .....................................................19 3. Economy ................................................................................................................................... 25 3.1 – An economy based on small and micro enterprises .............................................................25 3.2 – Agriculture and food processing: the key economic branch ................................................25 3.3 – Fishery: a poorly equipped sector .........................................................................................30 3.4 – Tourism: A sector with scope for improvement .....................................................................31 4. The governance bodies in the NWA and their capacities ...................................................... 35 II. - Territorial SWOT of the NWA ..................................................................................................... 37 III. - Strategic Approach, Objectives and Measures ....................................................................... 41 1. General Strategy ....................................................................................................................... 41 2. Action Plan ................................................................................................................................ 50 Measure 1.1 : Improve crop farm production and post harvest capacities ...................................51 Measure 1.2 . Set-up and strengthening of producer groups/ associations .................................53 Measure 1.3 Set up and strengthening of rural tourism enterprises .............................................55 Measure 2.1 Area promotion, natural/cultural heritage protection/ valorisation ...........................57 Measure 3.1 Improve area basic community services and infrastructures ...................................60 Measure 3.2 Enhance efficiency and empowerment of local administration ................................62 3 - Alignment with other strategies.............................................................................................. 64 IV. - The partnership ......................................................................................................................... 64 V. - The consultation process ........................................................................................................... 65 ANNEXES .......................................................................................................................................... 69 2 3 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Introduction ‘LEADER means listening to the voice of local citizens and increasing their participation.’ Prof. Laurent Van Depoele-University of LEUVEN (Belgium) The Local Development Strategy for the North West Area is prepared by the local stakeholders and communities with the support of the Rural Development Support Team. 1 LEADER as an integral component of the EU rural development policy, is a methodological approach aiming at increasing the local governance and improving the capacity of local public-private partnerships in territorial management by preparing area-based Local Development Strategies (LDS) using a bottom-up approach and integrating multi-sector actions. The North-West Area (NWA) is a distinctive geographic territory transcending the existing administrative district boundaries. The Strategy aims to improve the economic and social conditions of the population across the whole area by valorising the environmental, cultural and historical heritages of the area. This area has been proposed as a LEADER area according to the willingness of the municipalities and of the civil society to work together. The preparation of this local development strategy has benefited with from the continuous support of the central public administration the coordination of the EU Coordination Center . The NWA hosts a rich, diverse and valuable natural, historical and cultural heritage. These heritages are sensitive and fragile and increasingly under pressure from economic activities, neglect, urban sprawl, quarrying and other threats. It should be ensured that all future development in the NWA takes place in ways that are sustainable, not only environmentally but also in economic and social terms. 1 The RDST is a technical assistance project aimed at preparing a Rural Development Plan according EU regulations, at introducing the Leader approach, at preparing calls for proposals for rural and community development and at supporting the potential beneficiaries in preparing projects including the setting up local partnerships. Since October 2009, RDST has started to work for developing LEADER approach in northern part of Cyprus. http://www.tccruraldevelopment.eu/rdst/ 3 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 4 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Acronyms and Abbreviations o C CMC CSO Cu.m dn Dka EC EU EUNIS EUL EUR GIS GCc ha HNV IBA ICT LDS LEADER METU NCC Km Km2 m mm NATURA 2000 NWA RDP SME SEPA SIT Spp. SWOT TCc Ton UN UNDP UNDP-PFF USAID WWTP Degree Celsius Cyprus Mining Company Civil Society Organisation Cubic meter Dönüm (1.338 Dekar) Dekar (1,000 square meters or 1/10 of ha) European Commission European Union with 27 Member states (since 2006) European Nature Information System (Species, Habitat types and Sites) European University of Lefke Euro Currency (or €) Geographic Information System Greek Cypriot community Hectare (=10,000 square meters) High Nature Value Important Bird Area Information and Communication Technology Local Development Strategy Liaison Entre Actions de Développement Rural (Axis “4” of C. Reg. 1698/05) Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus Kilometre Square Kilometre (=100 ha) Metre Millimetre EU wide network of nature protection areas (1992 Habitats Directive) North-West Area Rural Development Plan for the northern part of Cyprus Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Special Environment Protected Area Special Interest Tourism Species Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats Turkish Cypriot community Tonne (1 ton = 1,000 Kg) United Nations United Nations Development Programme UN Development Programme - Partnership For Future United States Aid Waste Water Treatment Plant 4 5 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area I - Territorial Profile of the NWA 1. The social, demographic and infrastructure base The North-West Area (NWA) covers a surface of 569 km2, corresponding to about 17% of the total TCc area. It includes the municipalities of Güzelyurt/Morphou, Lefke/Lefka (falling under the Güzelyurt district) and Lapta/Lapithos (under the Girne/Kyrenia District). In addition to the city centres the NWA includes 28 villages. The land boundaries of the NWA are: South, the Green Line border with the Greek Cypriot community (GCc); East the Alsancak/Motides and Dikmen/Dikomo municipalities (Girne District) and Alayköy/Gerolakkos municipality (Lefkoşa/ Nicosia district). According to the 2006 census, the total population of the NWA amounts to 43,769 people (about 17% of the TCc total) with a population density of 77 inhabitants per km2, which is slightly below the TCc average of 78 (Annex 1 - NWA population). The NWA offers a unique combination of different landscapes. In the north the western end of the Besparmak mountain range marks the landscape with a northern slope, where the town of Lapta is located, green and moist and a drier southern slope. In the north-west, behind the Korucam cape is a hilly area covered by a vast Mediterranean forest. At the centre of the NWA is a wide plain, where the town of Güzelyurt is located surrounded by citrus groves constituting one of the island’s greenest landscapes. At the south-west, where is located the town of Lefke, are the foot hills of the Troodos range that arrive to the coast. 5 6 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area NWA, as the rest of Cyprus, boasts a wealth of cultural and historical heritage which is however degrading and is largely untapped in economic terms. Many signs of different cultures still shape the territory: prehistoric tombs, Vouni Palace (Persian), Soli ruins (Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine) and Lefke (Ottoman). Due to the presence of the bordering mountains, the climate is cooler and moister than the rest of the island and it receives heavier annual rainfall (as much as 550 mm). However, variability in annual rainfall is characteristic and droughts are frequent and sometimes severe. Winds are generally light to moderate and variable in direction, but the dominant wind in the area comes from the west towards land in the bay of Güzelyurt. Strong winds may occur sometimes. 1.1 – Three neighbouring municipalities with good infrastructure The area includes three municipalities: Güzelyurt, Lapta and Lefke. Güzelyurt With a total population of 20,045 it is the main centre and market of the NWA. It is located between the municipalities of Lapta and Lefke and it is bordered in the west by the Güzelyurt bay coastline and in the south east by the green line. The town of Güzelyurt, known as the fruit-bowl of northern Cyprus, is famous particularly for the citrus and vegetables which thrive thanks to its fertile red soils and the abundance of water running down from the Troodos Mountains. Although is not a typical tourist destination, it has deep historical roots shown in the Archaeology and Nature museum and in the St. Mamas Monastery. The site is said to have been inhabited since Bronze Age times. The city was founded by the Spartans and was referred since the Middle Ages as Morphou. Under the British rule it was connected by rail to Lefkoşa/Nicosia and Mağusa/Famagusta mainly for the transport of copper. Lapta With a total population of 12,653 it is the second municipality in the NWA. Located north of Güzelyurt and west of Girne, the municipality runs from the Besparmak till Korucam Burnu/Cape Kormakitis at the east and Akdeniz in the south. The town of Lapta, perched on the northern slopes on the Besparmak and below its highest peak (Mount Selvili, 1,023 m), faces the Mediterranean Sea. It has thus features of both a mountain and coastal town and diverse architectural features. The area has been settled since the Copper Age. At the west of the municipality centre and beyond the Besparmak area lies the high nature value area of Akdeniz which has been selected to be potential NATURA 2000 zone. This area hosts various 6 7 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area typical villages among which Korucam/Kormakitis and Karpasa/Karpashia that are still inhabited by the Maronite minority settled in the island since the beginning of the 11th century. Lefke With a total population of 11,071, it is the third municipality of the NWA and borders the GCc in the south and the Güzelyurt plain in the north. The town of Lefke, located on the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, recalls an oasis with its distinctive ottoman architecture and mosques among abundant groups of palm dates and poplars. Lefke has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and has expanded thanks to the copper mines. The town shows the remnants of an ottoman aqueduct serving the city and its orchards and some byzantine ruins. The nearby port of Gemikonagi/Xeros was used for copper exports up to recently. The region, very fertile with high quality water, is famous for its ‘Yafa’ oranges as well as dates, plums and walnuts. The road network In general the NWA is well connected, it is easily accessible from Lefkoşa through the Lefkoşa/Güzelyurt four lined high-way which has been recently constructed which allows a fast connection. The NWA is also crossed by a north-south road axis which connects Lefke/Güzelyurt/Çamlibel/Lapta. A number of main roads and a network of secondary roads connect the municipalities with the villages. There is currently one border crossing to the Greek Cypriot community (Bostanci/ Kato Zodia). A second border crossing has recently been opened in Yeşilirmak/Limnitis, on the westernmost tip of the NWA. This opening allows an increased passage from the Paphos District to Nicosia or Girne, via Lefke, (from Pomos to Lefkoşa it will be around 100 Km, compared to the present 200 km). A third border crossing is planned to be opened near Lefke, namely Aplic gate. Drinking water, Electrification and Communication Drinking water supply, electrification and telephone lines are accessible for the population of the NWA both in towns and in villages. Often electricity cuts create problems for shopkeepers and artisans. Internet connections, in particular in the villages, are unsatisfactory. This hampers the connection of the villagers with the outer world, thus limiting knowledge and economic development. An EU funded project “Development and Restructuring of Telecommunication Infrastructure Network”, implemented by the Telecommunication Department, will improve the telecommunication infrastructure in the area. Industrial Areas There are two small Industrial Areas in the NWA, one in Güzelyurt and the other in Gemikonağ. These have the necessary infrastructural facilities like roads, water and electricity, but due to their location in stream beds (the artisanal enterprises in Güzelyurt Small Industrial Site suffer from flooding at the times of heavy rains). 7 8 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 1.2 – Demography, employment and social services Of the total population of the NWA (43,769 people) about 53% is male and 47% is female. The average age distribution is 19% under 15 years, 72% between 15 and 64 years, and the remaining 9% more than 64 years. Annual population growth rate is around 3.2%, and natural growth rate is 0.8%. In the villages, the economically active population (between 15 and 64 years) is lower than the average, indicating that the economically active population leaves the villages most probably due to low employment opportunities and lack of sufficient social and cultural facilities. According to official statistics, the total labour force of the NWA is 15,780 people, which represents 15.3% of the total labour force of the TCc. The unemployment rate is around 12%, which is higher than the TCc rate of 10%. Given the high number of unregistered work and wages, the unemployment rate could actually be lower in real terms. The unemployment rate of the young population (between 15-24 years old) is particularly high (22.7%) against 19.7% for the TCc. In comparison to men, the participation of women into labour force is substantially lower (33% of the total). In the villages 13% of masculine labour force is unemployed while for women this rate increases up to 24% (TCc average 17%). The services sector provides the largest employment share (about 76% of the total) which is in line with the TCc average. The agricultural sector with 9% of the total share (against 3.5% at TCc level) reflects the importance of agriculture in the local economy. Industry employs 6.3% while the construction sector employs less people (around 8.9%) than the TCc average (11.5%) which is explained by the fewer construction activities in the area (Annex 2 - NWA labour force) Education The educational level of the population is satisfactory, even in rural areas, which constitutes one of the strength points of the NWA. According to TCc figures, enrolment rates at preschools, primary and secondary schools is 100%, and for general/vocational high school and university it is 55% of the population above 18 years old. The gender distribution in all schools (primary /secondary/ high school) is almost fifty-fifty. The schools lack of sufficient infrastructure (teaching rooms) in relation to the pupil population, whereas they are relatively well equipped. There are two public vocational high schools in the NWA. The Güzelyurt Vocational High School of Tourism, Accounting, Electric/Electronics, Construction and Hairdressing and the Lefke Vocational High School of Electric & Electronics, Machinery Technologies, Motor Vehicles, Information Technologies, Child Development and Audio-visual Media.2 Universities The NWA is well endowed with university establishments. There are two universities in the area, the Lefke European University (EUL) and the Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus (METU NCC), both utilising English as teaching language. A total of about 5,000 students are enrolled in the 2009-2010 academic year, and most are from foreign countries. EUL, accounting for around 70% of the students, was founded in 1989 by the Cyprus Science Foundation and has 7 faculties (Agriculture, Architecture/ Engineering, Economics/ Administration, Arts/ Sciences, Communication Sciences, health sciences, science and literature). There are four 2 The Girne Training Center for Hotel Management and Tourism has been recently re-opened and provides training on reception, waiter, cooking activities and house keeping for hotel intermediary staff. 8 9 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area additional schools (advanced vocational, applied sciences, tourism management/information science and English preparatory) and twelve masters programs and two doctorate programs. METU NCC, established in 2000 as an offshoot of METU in Ankara, has three faculties (Economics/ Administration, Engineering and Education/ Humanities) which include 13 Departments and offers two Masters Programs. The EUL and the METU NCC have a very important economic impact on the area. An estimated amount of around €20 million per year is spent by the students to pay for accomodation, food and leisure expenses3. In addition to the economic impact, there are some positive examples of cooperation between the universities and the NWA municipalities or local private actors. The most recent ones are the preparation of the feasibility studies by METU for Güzelyurt infrastructure projects, and the participation of EUL in the Lefke Tourism committee. Health and social facilities Hospital and Health Centres The only hospital in the NWA is the public Cengiz Topel Hospital in Lefke functioning as a regional hospital. Three health centres, providing daytime first-step medical services and advice, are located in the municipality centres. There are no mobile health units servicing the villages, which are felt as a need especially by the elderly people. The Güzelyurt Health centre serves with four doctors (one internal diseases specialist, one general practitioner, one paediatrician and one dentist), one pharmacist and three nurses. The health centre has a well equipped ambulance, but not enough staff to operate it effectively. 3 About 25% of the resident university students lodge in school dormitories and the balance in private dormitories around the schools or rent houses in the area. Total extra-campus lodging expenses can be estimated at € 5.7 million. In addition to accommodation, the university student’s estimated expenses per academic year (9 months) are about € 14.3 million. 9 10 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area The Lapta Health Centre serves with one general practitioner, one dentist and three nurses. A paediatrician comes from Girne twice a week. The existing dentist unit performs only basic services and needs to be improved. The health centre is poorly equipped and has an ambulance that lacks essential emergency life-saving equipment. The centre provides twice monthly (for one day) health monitoring services to the villages of Korucam, Kozan and Çamlibel (each one has a non-equipped room for this service). The Lefke Health centre has one ophthalmologist, one dentist and two nurses. The dentist unit requires some additional equipment. The doctor from the health centre visits also Yeşilrmak village once a week. Elderly centres In Lapta there is the only public retirement home for old aged people of the TCc. It provides services to 30 elderly people mainly from the Girne District. The staffs of the retirement home include two nurses and one physiotherapist as specialist and one part time psychologist. The retirement home suffers from lack of enough staff and insufficient building conditions. The municipalities of Güzelyurt and Lapta are implementing some social service activities (paying bills, haircutting, health services, etc) for the village elderly people while similar functions are carried out by a CSO in Lefke. Kindergardens In the NWA there are seven kindergardens two of which are public. Four are located in Güzelyurt (one public), two in Lapta and one in Lefke (public). Given that there is a tradition to leave the children within the family (grandparents, etc) and the fact that the private sector is active, the availability of kindergardens appears adequate. Sports and cultural centres In terms of sport facilities, the NWA can be considered fairly well equipped including public stadiums, basketball and volleyball facilities, public and private swimming pools and tennis courts. A golf course is located in Lefke and is operated by the local Golf Club. Mainly these facilities are owned and operated by public bodies or universities. Municipal fitness centres are also available in Lapta and in Güzelyurt. In terms of cultural facilities, both Guzelyurt and Lefke have municipal halls that are used for theatre performances, concerts and conferences. Universities in the area also have such facilities. The only movie hall (privately owned and operated) and the only public library of the NWA are located in Güzelyurt. There are some NGOs in Güzelyurt that carry out cultural activities such as folk dances and theatre. Community transport The municipalities in the NWA do not operate public transportation services as these are performed by licensed private companies for a fee. Main routes are Lefke-Güzelyurt-Lefkosa, Lefke-GüzelyurtGirne, Lapta-Lefkosa and Lapta-Girne and means of transport are Dolmuş (minibuses) and buses. Transport of university students to and from towns is ensured by the universities, whereas transport of school children is ensured by contracted transport companies. Downtown renovations The downtown areas of the municipalities are very important for their image. In the NWA these are in varied conditions. While Güzelyurt and Lapta have already launched with their budgets some projects aiming at renovating their downtowns, Lefke is implementing a project to renovate the façades of the buildings and shops in its centre with the support of UNDP. 10 11 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Challenges The development of the NWA depends very much on the well being of the population. However, the existing health and social facilities in the NWA are poor especially in the villages that exacerbates the isolation feelings. The key challenges for the NWA are to improve: The social infrastructure like internet connection in the villages. Considered as unsatisfactory at the present stage, the lack of such infrastructure hampers the connection of the villagers with the outer world, thus limiting knowledge and economic development. The equipment of health centres with better medical and analytical equipments as well as mobile health units/well equipped ambulances to serve the villages. Health centres need also more general practitioners, laboratory and ambulance support staff. Another key challenge for the NWA is the setting up of social centres for elderly people in the villages, particularly for elder women (since the men go to the sports club/coffeehouse), for daily activities, cooking, drawing, music, movies, etc. 11 12 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 2. A rich natural and historical heritage 2.1 – Fragile and threatened environment 2.1.1 An environment that has been recently recognised The NWA is well endowed with natural habitats and biodiversity. It includes the Akdeniz special environmental protected area (SEPA), which is a potential NATURA 2000 area4 and the contiguous western part of the Besparmak SEPA. In the south of the NWA is a forested area at the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. In total the NWA includes 15,838 ha of forestlands, 68% of which are in Lapta, 22% in Lefke and 10% in Güzelyurt Municipalities. The potential NATURA 2000 areas This area, covering around 165 km2 (145 km2 in Akdeniz and 20 km2 in Besparmak mountain range), is located at the back of the Korucam cape. Around 35 km of coastlines border the northern and western sides. The area covers the western part of Besparmak range and for Akdeniz area starts on the north coast from west of Kayalar village and continues along the west of Tepebaş and Çamlbel villages up to Kalkanl village. At Kalkanl boundary of the area extends all the way to the Ikidere River up to sea shore at west which also is the Kalkanl Valley area boundary. In the area there is one SEPA (Akdeniz), and one proposed SEPA for the Besparmak mountain range). 4 In the framework of the EU funded NATURA 2000 project, some investments and activities will be done (a visitor centre, volunteer researcher centre, researcher centre and guard station in Akdeniz village, a bird watching tower near Kalkanli pond, three cabins at the entrance point of Kalkanl monumental olive tree area, and entrances of north east and south east of SEPA. In addition, 160 km of walking paths including signs, wooden and stone steps, and a wooden bridge will be established. Two car parks will be established in the coastal zone including sign and information posts). 12 13 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area The main reasons for selection of the sites as potential NATURA 2000 area are the existence of internationally important flora and fauna and to the presence of important habitats which are listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) and of a monumental olive grove at Kalkanl. Habitats The potential NATURA 2000 area includes hill-like formations, plains with forests, stream beds, puddles and a coastal zone. In total there are 16 different habitats, three of which are conservation priorities under the Habitats Directive (Dir 92/43/EEC) and 14 EUNIS habitats5. Because of lack of access to the coastal areas north of Akdeniz village, some of the habitats have remained undisturbed, particularly the vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts (with endemic Limonium spp.), the embryonic shifting dunes and some inaccessible sandy bays. The potential NATURA 2000 area includes the Kalkanli Monumental Olive grove. The area (about 40 ha) enjoys a special protected status as it hosts about 2,000 indigenous olive trees some of which are around 500 years old or older (some are said to be about 700-800 years). The EU has recently awarded two grants, one for the Development of the Quality of Life of Kalkanli Village and the second for the protection of historical heritage olive trees and their exposure to tourism. (Annex 3 - NWA habitats) Flora The Akdeniz SEPA is also inhabited by some very rare and endemic floral species, the most important of which are the Cyprus orchid (Ophrys Kostchyi) that flowers in March–April around Kayalar village 5 EUNIS: European Nature Information System (Species, Habitat types and Sites). Source of information is the Technical Assistance for management and protection of potential Natura 2000 sites in the northern part of Cyprus 13 14 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area and Cyprus Tulip (Tulipa Cypria) that can be found around Koruçam, Tepebaş and Geçitköy villages. Both are listed under EU Annex II plant species and protected by the north Cyprus Flora-Fauna Ordinance (21/97). In addition there are 20 other endemic plant species6 and 6 UICN threatened plant species7. (Annex 4 - NWA flora) Fauna Akdeniz SEPA beaches are among the most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean basin for green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) marine turtles. Many tourists witness the nesting and hatching of these turtles (one of the bases of the project for the census and protection of the turtles is in Akdeniz). In addition to the sea turtles, the rare monk seal (Monachus monachus) visits the area. A number of amphibians (namely the green toad Bufo Viridis, the lemon-yellow tree frog Hyla Savignyi and the Cyprus marsh frog Rana cf Bedriagae) are to be found in specific habitats in the NWA (reservoirs, ditches, etc). Also reptilians (chameleons, gekos, lizards and snakes), some of which endemic and/or threatened (according to UICN Red List of threatened species 2007), are present in the NWA. (Annex 5 - NWA fauna) Cyprus is central to two main European bird migration routes. This ensures that many birds (several of which are listed Appendix I species from the EU Birds Directive) come across the island in their migrations to and from breeding and wintering grounds. The North-West Area includes among the best bird-watching sites of Cyprus, such as the three reservoirs in Akdeniz area and forests, Cape Koruçam, the Geçitköy Reservoir and the western part of the Besparmak range. Among the 386 bird species for Cyprus, a great part of them can be watched in the NWA, including the 2 endemic species, the 6 Anthemis tricolor, Asperula cypria, Astragalus cyprius, Ballota integrifolia, Crocus veneris, Ferulago cypria, Helianthemum obtusifolium, Hypericum repens, Limonium albidum subsp. Cyprium, Odontites cypria, Onobrychis venosa, Onopordum cyprium, Onosma caespitosum, Onosma fruticosum, Ornithogalum pedicellare, Pimpinella cypria, Rosularia pallidiflora, Sedum lampusae, Senecio glaucus ssp. Cypria, Teucrium micropodioides. 7 Achillea cretica, Aegilops bicornis, Cyclamen graecum, Dianthus tripunctatus, Euphorbia paralias, Orchis punctulata, Serapias levantina). Some new and rare species have also been discovered in recent years (Phleum crypsoides, Papaver rhoeas L. subsp. cyprium Chrtek et Slavík, Serapias aphroditae P. Delforge 14 15 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Cyprus Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe cipriaca) and the Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax). (Annex 6 NWA birds) The vast forest area of the Troodos foothills The forest areas located on the foothills of the Troodos mountains amount to approximately 3,500 ha. The main species are pines but there are also some other species such as Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), Cyprus Acacia (Acacia Cyanophylla) and Juniper (Juniperous Phoenicea). Almost the totality (95.7%) of the forests and forest lands are declared public property given their scarcity, protection needs and strategic importance for the environment. Within the forest lands there is a substantial collection of wild forest products that are for household use but that are also sold in markets, along the roads and to processors to complement incomes. Main products collected are: ayrelli 8(wild asparagus), wild mushrooms9, gabbar/caper10, alç11, sage and thyme, pine kernels12, harup/carob13. Beaches The area has few equipped stony beaches. The CMC pollution had a great impact on the seashore of Lefke, where the Yedidalga public beach and other private beaches, belonging to the main restaurants of the area are not frequented by the tourists. The Lefke Municipality has recently been awarded with an EU grant to improve its shore walk. Lapta has some varied beaches but none of them proposes adequate services for tourists. It is the case of Güzelyal beach by the end of Karşyaka and Caretta beach close to Akdeniz village, very well known to be a turtle nesting area. This beach has a restaurant whose position and architecture in itself represent an environmental damage. In the area of Kayalar, there are various stretches of sandy and pebbly beaches, as well as some small secluded inlets. One of the best known beaches along this coastal road is the Horseshoe Bay. Only one hotel beach fulfil tourism standards and for this reason it is popular among European holiday operators. The Lapta Municipality has recently been awarded with an EU grant to improve its coastal walkways. 8 Ayrelli is a popular product in Cyprus The collection is made during the winter/early spring. Wild Mushrooms (Lactarius Deliciosus Red mushroom Krmz mantar, white mushroom Russula Delica, wild Champignon, Agaricus Campestris), Pleurotus Eryngii Var. Ferulae, Morchella Conica, Coprinus comatus), are collected in the forests during the rainy season. 10 Gabbar - Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a perennial wild spiny bush that grows on walls or in rocky coastal areas. It bears rounded, fleshy leaves, buds and fruits which are collected and pickled. 11 Alç (Crataegus laevigata -Hawthorn) is a dry and mealy texture fruit. The fruit is used for producing jams and preserves. The fruit pulp can be dried, ground into a meal and mixed with flour to make bread. 12 Pine kernels (pinus pinea). 13 Carob (Harup) pods is collected from carob trees which are spread in forest areas. The pods are sold to processing factories located in Famagusta and which processes it for animal feed production and to exporters (exports of this product have increased from 548 ton in 2007 to 575 ton in 2009). 9 15 16 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 2.1.2 An environment under important threats Solid waste and waste water management in the NWA Solid waste and waste water collection and treatment are under responsibility of the NWA municipalities that mainly lack appropriate dump sites and comprehensive sewerage networks with centralised Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP). Concerning the solid waste The practice of burning solid wastes and/or of uncontrolled spontaneous fires in the dump areas (Lefke’s dump is in the open CMC mine, Lapta’s in Dikmen and Guzelyurt’s in Kalkanl) cause serious air pollution leading to health hazards (notably the release of dioxin in the air and bad smells). Geologist’s reports state that Lefke’s dumpsite is impermeable and that no ground water pollution occurs. In other cases, where dumpsites are not duly designed and protected, groundwater risks to be polluted by the waste leaching and by industrial waste waters. The EU-funded Solid Waste Management Project includes the construction of a central dumpsite for all northern Cyprus and a solid waste transfer station in Güzelyurt area is going to be funded by the budget. The fleet of garbage trucks and of garbage bins (in urban areas, villages and recreation areas) in the NWA is insufficient to cover the increased needs resulting from the extension of the boundaries of the Municipalities which dramatically increased the population to be served. In terms of garbage truck fleet, Lefke owns 5 large garbage trucks, Lapta 5 and Güzelyurt 5 (additionally the municipality has 3 trucks and 3 small trucks for collecting green wastes and construction wastes, and a truck with dipper). There is no system in place for the differentiated collection of waste materials (paper, glass, aluminium, other metals, plastics, batteries, exhausted oils, etc). Furthermore the Lefke hospital waste is collected and disposed as normal waste, while it should be treated as a highly hazardous waste and disposed accordingly. 16 17 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Littering Litter from city and village dwellers (household rubbish, plastic materials, bottles and cans), as well as discarded construction waste materials (concrete, tiles, bricks, etc) are often dumped along rural roads, in the forests (notable is the example of the Çamlibel forest), along the coast-line and in streams, including very special protected areas such as the stream passing trough the monumental olive grove of Kalkanli (which connects the Doganci Pond to the Güzelyurt Dam). Discarding of plastic materials in agriculture The NWA is an intensive agricultural area and many farmers (especially citrus farmers) discard the empty agro-chemicals packing materials (cardboards, plastic boxes, metallic bins, glass) in the fields after their use. This occurs especially near the water pumping stations (where they mix components for the spraying). These materials are very dangerous for the environment and a serious health hazard especially for children and animals. Other agricultural-generated plastics, such as fertiliser bags, greenhouse plastics, old drip irrigation pipes, etc. are also often abandoned in the fields. These materials are not easily biodegradable and stay in the fields and orchards for decades, or are washed in the drainage systems (with implications in case of floods). Concerning the waste water The prevailing system for collection of household and public buildings waste waters is in septic tanks that are periodically emptied using public or private sewage pumping trucks. The waste waters are then disposed at the respective municipal dump sites. However, the Güzelyurt municipality recently got an EU grant that will cover 50% of the investment cost to construct a sewerage system and modern waste water treatment plant that will serve 21,500 population equivalents. Furthermore EU-funded plans and detailed designs for a sewage system and waste water treatment plant are finalised and ready for tendering. Lefke has a small waste water treatment plant with a capacity of 120 tons/day which serves around 175 houses in the Lefke/Karadağ area, a partial sewage system and a compact treatment plant. An EU grant has been awarded in 2009 to the Development Association of Lefke and Surrounding Villages for establishing a small treatment plant for the Cengiz Topel Hospital waste water and is currently being implemented. Lapta, has a sewerage network and waste water treatment plant only for the hotels near the sea shore. A new project for the treatment of waste water of Çamlibel village has been started by the Environmental Protection Department with Turkish Aid financial support. The EUL and METU-NCC universities have their own sewerage and waste water treatment plants. Food industry waste waters Many agro-food industry wastes lack appropriate treatment plants. These effluents are currently stored in sealed tanks at the plant and disposed untreated at the dumpsites or directly released in the soil or in the rivers/creeks. The CMC pollution Copper mining in Lefke started in 1913 and continued up to 1974 when the copper producing company CMC (Cyprus Mining Company) left the area without any intervention or precaution to prevent environmental pollution. The mining activity caused tremendous environmental damage during its operation by destroying the plant cover, digging up the hills and building the port (now in ruins) to load the vessels. Since 1940 various minerals including heavy metals and arsenic components have been stored in large piles and in 12 waste pools containing 8.5 million tons of mine wastes rich in 17 18 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area copper, zinc and cobalt and very dangerous sulphites. The latter, coming in contact with water and air, create acids that pollute soil, water (surface, underground and sea water) and air. As a first precautionary measure a fence has been set-up around the site and the civil society of Lefke recently stepped up on this problem and raised the awareness of the UN and EU. The EU has funded a feasibility study for the CMC rehabilitation, which outlined the necessary works to be carried out. This area has been declared as free zone by the Government and in 2007 has been rented to the Port ISBI Company (Cyprus Free Zone and Marine Logistics Services Ltd.) for a 49 years period on condition that the area is rehabilitated and a commercial port is built (planned to be completed by 2015-2017). The artisanal coal production (Gamini) The Gamini, traditional brick towers where fuel wood is burned for charcoal production, release carbon monoxide, smoke and smell. This pollution is far reaching in case of sea-borne winds and is a nuisance to surrounding village populations, which claim the occurrence of increased morbidity among children and elderly. There are about 75 of them in Gaziveren and Yayla, in isolated sites on the western coast. As there is a high demand for coal, and availability of citrus wood from the renovation of orchards, private entrepreneurs carry out this revenue-generating activity. The authorities have undertaken measures to register them. Beach sand quarrying The removal of sand for the replenishment of tourist beaches in other parts of the island is particularly damaging for the potential NATURA 2000 protected areas. This has affected particularly the beaches around Korucam Burnu and the long beach south of Akdeniz village that are accessible to vehicles. This activity is a threat to these habitats as it entails destruction of dunes and of their valuable vegetation and sometimes depressions where salty water collects creating unnatural marches. The uncontrolled construction Due to its relative isolation, the NWA has had a reduced impact from construction of villages for renting or second houses although some construction has already occurred in the coastal areas of Gaziveren (Güzelyurt), but particularly in Sadrazamkoy and Kayalar (Lapta). The misuse of agrochemicals In agriculture, in particular the chemicals used for growing citrus crop have damaging effects on the environment. Several pesticides, forbidden in EU, can still be purchased and used in northern part of Cyprus. Rules to regulate the use of agrochemicals need to be adopted in concordance with the plant health international requirements (Council Directives 2000/29/EC, 91/414 and Commission Directive 94/37/EC, the International Plant Protection Convention, the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) and relevant Turkish Phytosanitary legislation (for exports to Turkey). Compliance works/studies on this issue are conducted. The aquifer depletion In the NWA, there are three important aquifers, namely the Guzelyurt aquifer (of 180 Km2), the Lefke aquifer of 8 Km2 and the Yesilirmak aquifer of 2.5 Km2. The water of the aquifers is extracted principally for irrigation purposes. The Güzelyurt aquifer is the largest and the most important underground water reservoir in northern part of Cyprus, where it contributes substantially to the national economy. Agricultural production of 18 19 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Güzelyurt (mainly citrus fruits) generates about 80% of all foreign-currency income resulting from exports. For irrigation purposes an estimated 2,400 wells (scattered all over the plain) have been dug in the Güzelyurt plain at various times since 1950. The excessive pumping of groundwater from the coastal aquifer has caused the groundwater level to steadily decline since 1967. The natural water table in the northeast has so changed that it is now lower than sea level, thus giving rise to seawater intrusion and salinisation of the aquifer. In order to limit the usage of ground water, the TCc authorities issued a decision14 authorising the digging of wells only for public use, thus limiting the increase of groundwater pumping. Additionally, due to lack of appropriate wastewater management systems in the area, the aquifer faces water pollution. This is particularly dangerous as water extracted from the aquifer serves the cities of Nicosia and Famagusta. 2.2 – An heritage which would deserve a better consideration 2.2.1 Some key historical and social heritage… 14 Decision dated 09.04.2008 (S(K-II) (888-2008) 19 20 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Historical and cultural assets The NWA has been at the crossroads of different civilisations and cultures. The main historical and cultural elements that complement and support the leading tourist product, represented by the natural habitats and biodiversity, are the following: 1. The city of Soli: Established in 1100 BC the city includes: the Basilica, one of the earliest in Cyprus, the Roman theatre, partly restored and still used for concerts and plays, and the still not restored ruins of the temples of Isis, Aphrodite and Serapis. 2. The Vouni palace: To day little remains of the once magnificent royal palace dating back to the fifth century B.C. It was built on a spectacular hilltop overlooking Soli and offers a 360 degrees panoramic view of the sea, of the Troodos mountain range, the Besparmak mountain range and the central plain of Cyprus. 3. The Ottoman heritage of Lefke town: Lefke is a town striking for its houses and mosques that exemplify the traditional Ottoman, Turkish and Cypriot architecture; the oldest remaining houses which reflect the architectural characteristics of the Ottoman period date mostly from the years 1900 to 1938. Remarkable is the Piri Osman Pasha mosque with the grave of the Vizier Osman Pasha (1839). 4. The Naqshbandi-Haqqani community: in Lefke is based Sheik Mehmet Nâzm Adil, leader of the worldwide Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order. The Naqshbandi community, which includes resident members from several countries, has an important impact on the municipality since each year more than 3,000 people visit this community and participate into different community activities (religious activities, date palm protection, restoration of old houses according to eco-friendly techniques, etc). 5. The Museum of Nature and Archaeology: Set up in 1979 in the building that was once the Morphou Bishopric, the museum houses the archaeology section with displays of finds from recent excavations (a golden crown, jewellery and metal cups). Outside the museum are exhibited items from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. 6. The Saint Mamas Monastery: Located in the town of Güzelyurt the church, that is said to host the tomb of St Mamas, shows a remarkable carved wood iconostasis from the late sixteenth century. The church is used by the orthodox community once a year (1st and 2nd September). 7. The heritage of Lapta town: Lapta is one of the oldest inhabited sites of Cyprus drawing its origin from the Phoenician city of Lambusa. The city hosts not less than 20 churches, monasteries and mosques, among which the impressive monastery of Akhiropiitos or the Haydarpasazade Mehmet Bey mosque. 8. The Maronite community: The Maronite community of Cyprus, belonging to the Eastern Christian cult of the Catholic Church, has been established in the island as far as the 8th century A.D. The Maronites live mainly in the village of Korucam/Kormakitis and to a lesser extent in Karpasa/Karpasha. Both villages have been recently awarded EU grants to improve their village squares 20 21 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area The NWA boasts some other smaller archeological sites: The ruins of ‘Tumba Tou Skuru’ near Güzelyurt (Bronze Age), The Bronze Age sanctuary near the village of Akdeniz (Lapta), The Bronze Age shrine of Pigadhes near the village of Camlibel (Lapta). (Annex 7 - NWA historical heritage) Festivals There are eight festivals organised annually in the NWA; the most important ones are the Orange festival of Güzelyurt, the International Music and Culture festival of Lefke, and the tourism festival of Lapta. Most of them propose interesting and diversified activities that could be complementary like music, folklore performances, food specialities and local handicrafts. However, these festivals are poorly advertised and more oriented to satisfy local population meeting and amusement expectations than to attract tourists (Annex10 - NWA festivals). 21 22 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area An embryonic handicrafts sector Every year the Ministry of Education conducts training programs on handicrafts for women in the villages. In the NWA, in the last two years (2009-10), the courses were conducted in Hisarköy (Lapta), Yeşilyurt, Doğanc and Lefke (Lefke), Kalkanl and Güzelyurt. Lapta Municipality is also planning to start a village women courses in Karşyaka. The instructors teach village women a range of traditional handicrafts. The courses are conducted in any places available in the villages under very primitive conditions, and mainly housewives attend them as a socializing affair; the works are mainly done for self-use, and very few women earn money from selling handicrafts. With reference to tourist oriented products most of the handicrafts are produced in traditional and oldfashioned ways. Under the existing conditions there is no relation with modern needs and fashion industry. The instructors in the village women courses are those who have been trained in a traditional ways and lack of capacity to improve the design of these handicrafts, and to apply them in accordance with the modern needs of both local and foreign people. The handicrafts are not seen as a professional and profitable activity by the local people, and there is no organized and regular market for the handicrafts in the area. So the people who produce and want to sell the handicrafts cannot reach those who may want to buy them. Most handicrafts are sold in fairs and festivals. 2.2.2 – ….but neglected and under-valorised The Department of Antiquity and Museums registers 130 historical and monumental sites in the NWA. These monuments are under public control and any renovation (under the responsibility of the owners or users) should be prior approved by the Department of Antiquity and Museums. In practice only the sites of Soli and Vouni (Lefke Municipality) as well as the Saint Mamas church and the museum of Nature and Archaeology (Güzelyurt Municipality) have been protected, maintained and guarded. Other historical sites are not adequately maintained and are consequently in an exhausted condition. A satisfactory inquiry, aimed at identifying visitors’ needs and suggestions, has not been performed in some of these cultural sites. 22 23 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area The majority of the old houses in Lefke are listed by the Department of Antiquity and Museums; nevertheless this heritage is degrading due to the lack of interest and/or funds from owners and public bodies. Moreover there is no information on the spot about the history of the city and of its remarkable heritages. Despite the low attention given to the historical & architectural heritage, most of the cultural assets of the NWA are presented in many existing websites and brochures presenting the northern part of Cyprus, but in a poor and disorganised manner and without connection among different sites; moreover any signalisation and advertisement on the spot is missing. The Department of Antiquity and Museums employs non English-speaking staffs for ticket selling, there are no reception facilities on the sites (toilets, bar, curio shop). No guides are available on the spot for individual visitors, guides are normally provided by tour operators that organise groups. The museum of Nature and Archaeology is run by the Department of Antiquity and Museums which has allocated three staffs (non English speaking) for the management of the structure. Despite the quality of the pieces exposed and the newly reshaped museology on the first floor, the masterpieces of the collection are not emphasized. Regarding Saint Mamas (church and monastery) the larger part of the buildings are improperly used for business purposes, ranging from lawyers’ offices to a television company. In spite of the historical and cultural potential, all these issues causes a very low number of visitors. According to the entry figures of the mentioned protected sites, around 23,000 visitors were registered in 2008 (of which 15,300 ticket paying), which represent only 5% of the estimated tourists which visited northern part of Cyprus in that year. 23 24 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Challenges Waste water - The urban waste water collection and disposal systems in the NWA are not satisfactory from environmental and health safety points of view. The new systems (sewerage and WWTP) that are being put in place will cover just a small part of the territory and, in general, the situation requires urgent investments, including the utilisation of the effluents from the waste water treatment plants for agricultural purposes. Food industry liquid effluents can be highly dangerous for the environment and for human health. Dairy, slaughterhouses and olive-oil mills effluents are classified as pollutants requiring special treatments and should not be dispersed in the environment as such. Special policies that support the establishment of treatment plants (at the level of the single industrial facility or for a group of milk processors, or the olive oil processors, or meat processor plants) should be pursued. Water resource development should be primarily focused on preserving the aquifer in terms of a more balanced extraction (reduced pumping and improved replenishment of the aquifer) and preserving the groundwater quality. In the irrigation sector, the needed measures are of a dual nature. First, the drip irrigation systems which have been deployed in most irrigated areas need to be more efficiently used by farmers. Thus a more intensive effort by local agricultural administrations (mainly in the Güzelyurt plain) needs to be implemented to explain to farmers the need and techniques for reducing irrigation water usage without yield losses. Secondly, a form of water rationing needs to be adopted in the Güzelyurt area so that the groundwater can be shared out equitably across farmers. Furthermore, a moratorium on the development of new irrigated areas must be submitted. To do this the main instrument appears to be the strengthening of the existing water user associations. Construction - Although construction has been less developed that in other areas of the northern part of Cyprus, there is however a risk that holiday villages could be planned and built along the few sandy stretches of the western coast. There is a Government programme to introduce the spatial planning in the NWA but since updated spatial planning and construction regulations are still missing; this situation could become very dangerous in the next future. The end of the current world economic crisis could rapidly affect the precious, still untouched, environmental resources. It is therefore indispensable and urgent to enact the relevant legislation empowering local authorities of the effective control on territorial development. Beaches - The beaches situation in the NWA is, from a LEADER approach point of view, an opportunity for tourists who don’t consider sea & beach as the first reason of their holiday in northern Cyprus. The beaches should be protected (from construction, from abstraction of sand/gravel, etc), maintained (cleaned) and valorized (through increasing the offer of activities for tourists that are environmentally consistent with the importance of the beach in biodiversity terms) Due to the situation, it is necessary, especially in view of the strategic aim of developing the market for rural tourism in the NWA, to work on the development of integrated packages that combine both the rural heritage of the NWA with more attractive sea/sun areas of northern Cyprus such as the Karpaz. Festivals - In terms of cultural events the local operators need a temporally expanded calendar of events (all year long) and a bigger variety of events in order to give the tourists more chances to spend their time and money in the area. The local economy could greatly benefit from the impact of such structured and professionally organised events and festivals (especially if related to the vocation and uniqueness of the area). Niche modern tourists (and in particular those who choose rural holidays) are willing to spend for what is original and reflects the local vocation, culture and traditions, while they are not interested in what is done just for tourism purposes. Handicrafts - Handicrafts could be an interesting complementary activity for tourism sector, mainly for those traditional, folkloric products that are linked to the territory as happens in most of the tourist Mediterranean destinations; see for instance turquoise jewellery, carpets and embroidery in many Turkish renown destinations. 24 25 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 3. Economy 3.1 – An economy based on small and micro enterprises The NWA business environment is characterised essentially by few small enterprises and a large number of micro enterprises. In total around active 720 enterprises are listed in the combined registers of the Chamber of Industry, of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Chamber of Shopkeepers and Artisans. According to the combined registers almost half of them are retailers/shop keepers, 20% are artisans (mechanics, wood workers, iron workers, barbers, etc), 10% are in the construction business, 7% are producers/processors (mostly agriculture related but also furniture, metal, plastics, etc), 5% are traders wholesalers and 5% are tourism operators (hotel, restaurants). The majority of the enterprises (51%) are located in villages, followed by 43% in the town centres and 6% in the industrial areas. This is explained by the fact that the enterprises in the villages and towns are mainly micro-enterprises (shops, café, etc), while enterprises working in the industrial areas are supposed to be larger. In terms of geographical repartition, Güzelyurt municipality has the highest number of enterprises (around 60%), followed by Lefke (24%) and Lapta (16%). In general people of NWA have an entrepreneurial mentality and are ready to take risks in establishing or improving enterprises. This partially depends on the fact that most of enterprises are family-based and household income sources are diversified (salaries from civil service or pensions, agricultural production, rents, etc.). The Chamber of Shopkeepers and Artisans has recently started an initiative to establish an Apprenticeship and Adult Training Centre in the Lefkosa Industrial Zone with financial support of European Commission. In this center, tree-years vocational training will be provided on ten different vocations. Another recent development related to vocational training is a three years technical assistance project funded by the EU that aims at capacity improvement in related organizations (including ministries of education, labour, and vocational schools), standard setting up, programs and curriculum development. The government is also planning to establish a Centre for Supporting Small and Medium Size Industry with support of the Turkish Government, and working on legislation for establishing this centre. The entrepreneurship in the area is not supported by a clear analysis and risk appraisal. Entrepreneurs make their investments without feasibility studies and long term strategic planning. In this sense enterprises need advisory services that also inform them about international production standards and external marketing. Artisanal enterprises could improve their capacities through small technological changes but suffer from the lack of appropriate technologies due to financial burdening and face adaptation problems in using new and high technologies. The artisans are also under the threat from the unfair competition by unregistered enterprises, that are estimated at 30 percent of total enterprises,. The artisanal enterprises have also problems in finding qualified staff due to lack of sufficient training facilities; although there are two vocational high schools in the area, their education curriculum is not structured in accordance with the market demand. Apprenticeship could be an important mechanism to develop qualified staff in this sector but, as young people (including offspring of the artisan) prefer to find job in government sector, these enterprises can hardly find apprentices, and face the risk of disappearance. Key sectors of the NWA economy are agriculture, food-processing and construction (the latter sector is beyond the scope of the present strategy and is not analysed). Fisheries and tourism are minor sectors occupying a small amount of the labour force. 3.2 – Agriculture and food processing: the key economic branch Due to the NWA’s favourable climate, flat and partly hilly landform, fertile soils and water availability, agriculture is a key economic sector particularly in the Güzelyurt and Lefke Municipalities. In the NWA, more than half of the land and the great majority of water are used for crop production. Farmers are mostly part-time producers and experienced in their work and are supported by the agricultural 25 26 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area university and by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ local offices in Güzelyurt and Lefke. The local Veterinary office is located also in Güzelyurt. Crop Production The NWA is a producer of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which distinguish it from the rest of the northern part of Cyprus. Overall it accounts for 93% of total fruits and for about 50% of total vegetables produced in the TCc. Citrus. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarin, and other are the main NWA crop (117,560 tons produced in 200815) constituting 98% of the total northern Cyprus production. Orchards are grown under irrigation and mainly located in the Güzelyurt plain (84%) and in Lefke (15%). The citrus farms are predominantly small scale and 2,900 citrus farmers are registered. Total citrus area in Güzelyurt and Lefke is about 40,835 dönums. Especially in the Güzelyurt area, citrus orchards have declined dramatically in the last decades due to the lowering of the water table and groundwater salinisation. With notable exceptions (especially in Lefke and in some areas of Güzelyurt) the quality of the citrus fruit and the yields are low due to salty water, lack of proper agronomic practices, aged trees and commercially obsolete varieties. The government is subsidizing the replacement of old trees with new drought-resistant and more marketable varieties. Generally citrus farmers do not adopt an Integrated Crop Management Practice 16 (ICP); continue the usage of chemicals that causes soil and water pollution and affects the bee industry. There is a need for improving the law enforcement in order to prevent uncontrolled usage of chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc). The larger part of citrus production (70% in 2008) is for export, main destinations are: Turkey 69% (mainly for processing), Eastern countries (Russia, Ukraine, Moldova) 21% and EU-27, 10%. The rest is sold on the domestic market as fresh produce or is processed into concentrate (about 500 tons produced in 2008). There are several packaging & export companies (CYPFRUVEX, Legnar and other private companies). Vegetables. Vegetable production is very varied and substantial in the NWA, both cultivated in-field and under greenhouses/tunnels. There are around 39 ha estimated to be under greenhouses and tunnels in the NWA, or 34% of the total TCc. Crops cultivated under greenhouses are cucumbers, squashes, eggplants, pepper, beans, tomatoes, sweet melons, watermelons and bamya-okra. Total production of these is around 2,100 tons, mainly located in Güzelyurt (90%). Flowers are also cultivated under controlled conditions. 15 The production figures are based on the year 2008 that was a particularly dry. The figures are taken from the Agriculture Structure and Production 2008, Statistic and Planning Office. 16 The use of appropriate agrochemicals (pesticides, and fertilizers) in the appropriate quantities and timing 26 27 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area The key crop is Potato (7,300 Tons in 2008, or 42% of the TCc), which is mainly grown in Güzelyurt (58%) and Lefke (42%). Slightly more than half of the potatoes (53%) are harvested in autumn and the rest is in the spring. Potato is a well known Cyprus traditional product, which is grown in red soils. Potato sector has difficulties in marketing. It is sold in bulk. Storage facilities are scarce and only spring potato can be sold under the Green line regulation. Other root, bulb and tuberous crops are grown in the NWA (kolokas, onions, garlic, beets, carrots, radish) amounting to 4,000 Tons, or 78% of the total TCc. About half are cultivated in Güzelyurt and the other half in Lefke. Kolokas is a special product of the Yeşilrmak area, in Lefke. In the NWA are cultivated a number of leafy or edible stem vegetables (artichoke, cabbage, leek, orache, spinach, molohia, parsley, celery, lettuce and coriander) amounting to 3,566 Tons or 46% of the total TCc. Güzelyurt accounts for 48% of production followed by Lefke with 44%. Artichoke plantation is expanding in the Güzelyurt area as there is high demand for this product, although this culture requires high volumes of irrigation water. Total production of fruit bearing vegetables (tomato, cucumber, eggplant, bamya-okra, pepper, squash, melon, watermelon, strawberries, fresh beans and peas) is around 13,000 tons or 64% of the TCc total. About 44% are cultivated in Lefke, followed by Lapta 31% (since Çamlbel, Akdeniz, Tepebaş, Hisarköy villages have water availability) and by Güzelyurt 24% (Bostanci village). Among these are to be noted the production of un-irrigated melons in Lapta and of conventional or soil lessgrown strawberries in Yeşilrmak (Lefke). Olives. Irrigated olive yards have proven to be economically viable and consequently are becoming increasingly important for the NWA. The bulk (94%) of the yards is concentrated in Lefke and a lesser part in Güzelyurt. Modern olive yards have spread in recent years with government support (many farmers are replacing citrus orchards with olive trees, especially where water quality and quantity is low). Generally, the ‘local Cypriot’, ‘Gemlik’ (Turkey origin, for table and oil), ‘Ayvalik’ (Turkey origin, for oil), and other varieties of Spanish and Greek origin (for oil) are planted. Main products are the table green olive (Çakstes17) and the olive oil (in the green form and the black boiled olive oil - Karayağ), domestic demand for both exceeds the local supply and the balance is satisfied by substantial imports (50 tons of olive oil in 2008 and 800 tons of table olives green and in brine). 17 Çakistes: Crushed and marinated green olives which are collected early. It is a favourite Turkish Cypriot appetizer, served with olive oil, coriander seed, garlic and lemon juice. 27 28 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Producers are mainly small and market directly their own product. There are few oil mills that market bottled/labelled olive oil on the domestic market; a common label indicating the origin of oil from NWA doesn’t exist. Other Fruits. The NWA produces other fruits such as Apricots, Peaches, Plums (929 Tons in 2008, or 66% of the TCc) and apples/pears (384 Tons in 2008, or 73% of the TCc). The market for these fruits is mainly domestic, and they are sold in municipal markets, supermarkets and retailers. Other important productions are: Grape, 419 Tons in 2008, or 32% of the TCc, (Lefke is the main land of vineyards which account for 76% of the territorial total. Güzelyurt area covers 14% and Lapta 10%). Main varieties are Sultana (for dried fruits), table grapes and wine grapes. Pomegranate production amounted to 367 Tons in 2008, or 55% of the TCc, (intensive plantations are located in Güneşköy, Taşpnar, Bostanc, Güzelyurt and Yeşilrmak). The producers formed a union and have established a processing and packaging plant (ALNAR). Part of the grape and pomegranate are processed respectively into wine and concentrate. Nuts/walnuts, 179 Tons in 2008, or 30% of the TCc, famous are the walnuts produced in Lefke. Niche/Residual products. Avocado, Mango and other tropical fruits are increasingly cultivated to fill market niches. Date palm trees are grown scattered in small plots in Lefke, the majority of which is neglected by the land holders due to high labour costs. The leaves were used in the past to weave baskets to carry copper from the mines. There seems to be some potential to grow dates palm in Güzelyurt area since they are adapted. The market for dates is not organized and the value of this product has decreased. A few traders are controlling the sales. Supported by UNDP-PFF, a small nucleus of farmers has entered into organic farming. In the NWA there are only four certified organic farmers producing dates, olives, grapes and vegetables, peaches, apricots, plums, strawberries. The main problem faced by the organic producers is the initial and subsequent annual certification costs. Animal Husbandry The importance of livestock activities in the NWA is reduced compared with the crop production sector, and do not represent the main source of income. Overall milk production in the NWA amounts to 14,667 Tons in 2008, or 13-14% of the TCc total, while meat production amounts to 1,400 tons or 18% of the TCc total. Cow milk production in NWA was 11,663 tons in 2008, or 12% of the TCc total, predominantly in Güzelyurt (56%) followed by Lapta (27%) and Lefke (17%). The importance of Sheep and goat milk production is higher (3,000 tons in 2008, or 23% of the TCc total). The production is mainly located in Güzelyurt and Lapta (respectively 45% and 36%) and the remaining 18% in Lefke. Cow and sheep and goat milk market is organized by SÜTEK who sells to packagers and processors, but some households produce their own traditional cheese. Cow meat production in NWA was 491 tons while sheep and goat meat was 998 tons, reflecting the same percentages compared to the TCc total and geographical distribution as for the milk 28 29 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area production. Animals are sold to butchers who slaughter in the public slaughterhouses. An expensive and highly demanded, traditional product, known as Samarella18, is produced in the area. Honey production (for the majority citrus) in the NWA is estimated at about 150-200 tons in 2008. Local demand for citrus honey is low and the ‘mountain’ honey is preferred. Local production is threatened by imports. A few beekeepers from Yayla, Gaziveren, Koruçam, Karsiyaka, Kozanköy, Çamlbel, and Bağlköy are dealing with large size production and control the market. As a new initiative, there is a new cooperative which has been established. Only a few brand names exist in the market such as Bahçvan, Kantara and Oltan. Other apiculture products (royal jelly, propolis and pollen) have no market. Misuse of pesticides in citrus orchards and fly-fighting chemicals are threats for bee colonies. A weak food processing industry The agricultural potential of the NWA provides opportunities for the development of industrial and commercial enterprises. These opportunities remain unattended and unexploited due to external trade difficulties. The majority of the small and micro size industrial enterprise in the area is based on processing and packaging of agricultural products such as citrus, potatoes, olive, artichoke, milk and honey (there are also small carpentry and plastic establishments producing citrus packing boxes). The sector is strictly linked to the agricultural production, any decrease, for instance in citrus production affects proportionally the industry. 18 Samarella is a traditional Cypriot preserved dry meat, usually goat, which is salted, cured and sun-dried for preservation. It was made in Limassol and Dillirga regions but today the people who migrated from these villages continue to the same tradition. It is expensive and highly demanded in the market 29 30 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area For most of the processed agricultural products, the volume of production exceeds local demand and have thus to be exported. For this purpose a general need is the improvement of capacities of processing enterprises in certification, packaging and labelling. Citrus, olives and grapes are the only crops which have a sizeable downstream packaging/processing sector. One private company dealing with citrus has recently been awarded an EU grant to modernise its equipment for agro-processing. Part of the oranges is processed into concentrate at CYPFRUVEX. There is also one private initiative for fresh juice production in Güzelyurt (Saldam Co.). At present five olive mills operate in the NWA. One is a traditional olive mill in Lefke (in Lefke there is also a packaging plant for table olives). Two olive mills, namely Kalkanl and Aydn (Güzelyurt), are newly established (one has a bottling line) and process olive by modern continuous system. The other two are in Gemikonağ and Karşyaka (Lapta). There is one winery associated with vineyards (2.5 ha) in Geçitköy. It produces around 5,000 bottles sold under the brand Saint Hilarion. The NWA is a strong producer of the famous Hellim (Halloumi)19 There are two cheese factories in Çamlibel and Güzelyurt and some traditional producers in Akdeniz, Çamlibel and Bağlköy. Hellim is a traditional Cypriot product that is also popular in the Middle East to which it is exported. In the area there are some traditional micro-enterprises for the production of specialty products such as: pekmez20, macun21, uzum sucuk22,zivania23, samarella, sujuk24, pastrma25, zeytinli26, hellimli27, peksemet28, pilavuna29 etc. These are traditional, niche products which should be promoted as local assets. However, the processing and marketing of these products is very backward and disorganized. Few and small size producers sell to their family and friends, there is no brand name or local name and packaging is ordinary and not attractive for tourist purposes. Some small size business initiatives have started and are ‘success stories’ such Elye Co in Doğanc village (for macun) and the hellim plant in Çamlibel (for traditional hellim production). 3.3 – Fishery: a poorly equipped sector Notwithstanding the important fishing potential and the government support to registered fishermen (covering in average 50% of the required expenses to run fishing activities), artisanal fishing is limited in the NWA. There are three boat shelters, one in Lefke and two in the Lapta municipalities. Gemikonağ shelter (Lefke district) is the most important, accounting for 42 professional vessels and 10 non professional vessels. Lapta shelter (Lapta district) has 11 professional vessels and 6 non professional vessels) Kayalar shelter (Lapta district), the smallest and the most basic one and has 2 professional vessels and 2 non professional vessels. 19 Traditional cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep milk, although some also contains cow milk. It has a high melting point and can easily be fried or grilled. Generally home production is done in poor hygienic conditions. 20 Pekmez is a traditional dense juice made up from grapes and carob. 21 Macun is a name given for a preserved sweet made from various fruits such as walnut, citrus and bergamot, figs and watermelon. Macun is a popular traditional product in the local market. 22 Uzum Sucuk is also a preserved sweet made from pekmez and walnut. 23 Zivania is a traditional Cypriot beverage, a distillate produced in the island of Cyprus from pomace (or marcs), the residue of grapes that were pressed during the winemaking process (including the stems and seeds) mixed with highquality dry wines produced from the local grape varieties of Cyprus. 24 Sujuk (sucuk) is a form of raw sausage (made with beef meat and a range of spices, especially garlic, slightly similar to Spanish chorizo) commonly eaten with breakfast. 25 Pastrma is another famous beef delicacy. Both pastrma and sujuk can be put in kuru fasulye (dry beans) to enrich the aroma. Both can be served as a meze as well. 26 Zeytinli is a Cypriot savory pastry made with Olives. It is made my mixing hamur and olives and onions, It is also suitable for breakfast 27 Hellimli is a Cypriot savory pastry made with Halloumi cheese 28 Peksimet (Dryed bread sticks) 29 Pilavuna (Traditional savory buns) 30 31 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area These shelters are in very unsatisfactory infrastructure and equipment conditions. None of these shelters has specific facilities for landing, storage and sale of fishery products, facilities for vessel maintenance, water, fuel and ice supply are also lacking. The existing shelter installations do not provide the necessary safety on board and do not meet the requirements for consumption and food safety. Infrastructure such as quays, warehouses and locations for first sale is missing in these shelters. Fishing boats are generally small (average below 12 meters long), backward and poorly equipped. All of them are made in wood or in fiber hulls and equipped with low power engines (average 54 KW). This type of boats does not use towed gears, but use stationary gears: long line, bottom line, gill nets and traps. They are in poor technical conditions and poorly maintained, while health, sanitary and safety conditions aboard need to be improved; in particular, they lack cold storage facilities. The main landed species are pelagic fish like Groupers, Tuna, Scorpion fish, Pandora, Lahoz, Red Mullet, White Sea-Bream, Common Two-Banded Sea-Bream and Mackerel (Annex 8 - NWA fishery shelters and boats). 3.4 – Tourism: A sector with scope for improvement Tourist enterprises in NWA mainly suffer from low tourist visits (low rate of room occupancy) and the high turnover/low staff qualifications. Turnover of staff in this sector is high because the majority are seasonal workers from Turkey and staff training programs are not effective. A deeper analysis of the tourism rural sector shows that actually most of rural tourist operators or potential ones have serious deficiencies in: 1) Foreign language skills and internet knowledge. In the modern tourism industry, English language and internet are two assets that make the difference in promoting destination and tourist products. 2) Defining the uniqueness of their offer (both in destination and product meaning) 3) Qualification of their product in respect of their tradition, way of style and culture 31 32 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 4) Marketing and promoting the destination, the products and the experience(s) that can take place in this rural area Even if it is clear that rural tourism can’t be managed as mass tourism in the NWA area, it is important to point out that the current organisation of the tourism sector is a very serious obstacle in qualifying, promoting and marketing potential and emerging tourism rural products and services. Nowadays, local tourism suppliers (hotels and service providers that organise mini tours or daily excursions) must mandatorily refer to authorised local travel agencies to sell their tourism products to foreign tour operators. The consequence is that for most of the international tour operators interested in rural tourism in NWA the “distribution channel” is too long and costly. Modern niches in rural experience (knowledge of local communities, buying of local products and so on) look more in terms of quality experience rather than type of package tours. So if the sharing of experience from local tourism suppliers to potential clients has a potentially great appeal, the presence of a third partner (i.e. the local travel agency) that doesn’t know the market, the real life on the spot can negatively interfere in the communication between the local service supplier and the potential clients (foreign tour operators). In order to stimulate the NWA’s potential tourist destination, it would be useful to adapt the legal framework to allow the local tourism suppliers to market their own products directly to foreign tour operators. Accommodation facilities According to official figures, in 2008 less than 2% of the tourists staying in northern part of Cyprus were accommodated in the NWA. Accommodation capacity in the NWA is essentially located in Lapta town with 29 hotels and bungalows with capacity of 2,200 pax, whereas the capacities of Lefke and Güzelyurt are way behind, respectively 42 and 176 (Annex 9 - Hotel frequentation of the north part of Cyprus and NWA). The seaside resort of Lapta town was one of the primary tourist spots of north Cyprus but has declined over the last 10 years. A wide range (50% of the total hotel bed capacity) of ageing 3* hotels are providing accommodation services in the area. Lapta is territorially contiguous, making a unique tourist strip, with Kyrenia but the quality of hotels in Girne and the dynamic marine location weaken the competitiveness and the area therefore suffers. Bölgesel açdan Lapta, bitişik olduğu Girne ile eşşiz bir turistik bölge oluşturmakta olmasna rağmen, Girne’de bulunan otellerin kalitesi ve dinamik liman kenti özelliği rekabet edilebilirliği zayflatmakta ve bölge, bundan dolay zarar görmektedir. As the rest of the island, the hotel industry of the NWA is facing a deep crisis. As consequence in Lapta, the closing of 5 hotels and bungalows in the last years represented a drop of 30% in terms of beds capacity and a loss of 50% in terms of clients. The average nights spent by tourist in Lapta is of five nights which is largely higher than in the rest of the island (3 nights) and confirms the regular basis of the clients in the town and motivations (not attached to casino purpose). The clients use to come regularly in Lapta mainly due to the presence of relatives and/or friends. In Lefke a recently restored hotel offers a unique example of re-using a traditional house enhancing the rural and historical heritages of the area. Nevertheless, due to the very basic comfort of the hotel and to the limited offer of activities that cannot keep tourists for more than one day, most of the clients are middle range visitors of the Naqshbandi community. As the LEADER approach for the NWA considers that the accommodation is closely linked with the global development strategy of the area (i.e: valorising the cultural, historical and environmental heritages as well as improving the economic and social conditions of the population) the lack of a typical or traditional accommodation network encourages the launching of a reflection about the implementation of new models of rural accommodation. Successful LEADER experiences in similar Mediterranean areas (for example Sardinia, etc) demonstrate that once the uniqueness of the area is settled (in terms of valorisation of local assets such as historical, natural, eno-gastronomic, etc - through different actions – such as animation, 32 33 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area training, education, restoration, etc) and that the accommodations reflect the soul/image of the place, the coherence of the tourist product is reached. In Lefka area for example, where according to a certain niche market target there is a very high energy spring combined with existing cultural/religious factors, a spontaneous flow of international tourism has developed, interested in holistic and new age subjects such as medicinal herbs, homeopathy, natural products, etc. Activities proposed to the tourists. The hotels are generally equipped with swimming pools and/or beaches. However, the few activities on offer for tourists within the area represent the main complaint of the clients. The presence of Besparmak and Akdeniz is often mentioned as source of interest, particularly for green activities. Travel agencies propose a one day tour going through Soli, Vouni, the museum of Nature and Archaeology and the Saint Mamas monastery in Güzelyurt. A lunch stop is often planned in the main restaurants of Lefke area even if some complaints came up about the level of services offered by these restaurants. Individual visitors interested by green tourism normally allocate one/two days in the Akdeniz area where some places could be visited like the blue house, the Maronite community, the Kalkanli Monumental Olive Grove etc. Nevertheless the general feeling is of disappointment due to the lack of information and facilities on the spot, and the lack of traditional accommodations, restaurants and other amenities. Tourism marketing and promotion. There is a wide range of brochures and websites promoting the tourist assets of the NWA. Most of the brochures are commercially oriented, displaying information and publicity in such way that the essential information is often confused and places are superficially described, particularly for the tourists searching for sound information on the NWA’s natural and cultural heritage. Some brochures promote exclusively the town centres without showing all the assets of the municipality which could bring an interesting and a new vision of the area. The TC authority in charge of the tourism publishes a wide range of documents and proposes a website30. These brochures, although delivered under different layouts and written in different languages, have the same contents. Besides, they are not tailored for geographically different tourists (English, German, Italian, etc) and different thematic issues (nature, culture, etc). These brochures are often out of stock and difficult to find, only available at the headquarters of the institution in Nicosia, sometimes at the hotel desks. The Cyprus Turkish tourist guides association publishes an interesting semi-annual magazine and proposes a website31 tourist information oriented on historical and rural heritage. In the North West Area there is only one tourism information office on the main costal road located in Cengizköy (Lefke municipality). This information office has only one staff with no foreign language skills. No information and centers are located at the border. In most of available tourist information media (brochures, web-sites, etc), the NWA area disappears inside the overall presentation of the northern part of Cyprus destination. With the exception of Soli and Vouni archeological sites, the Orange festival in Güzelyurt and some other cultural attractions in Güzelyurt region, no other information is given to potential tourists. Concerning active tourism (trekking, mountain biking, etc) international tourist guides provide wrong or incomplete information (such as the impossibility to rent bikes or mountain bikes in northern part of Cyprus). In some cases, these guides give a very sad image about some TCc areas32. In the NWA no customer assessment has ever been done (through satisfaction questionnaires) to evaluate the tourist needs and comments. Moreover, no tour operator’s inspection visits or foreign media familiarization trips have been organized on the ground to promote the rural offer of the NWA. 30 www.northcyprus.cc www.kitreb.org 32 The Lonely Planet guide about Guzelyürt “it has no interest for the traveler that could see just broken roads and few old shops”. 31 33 34 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area This causes a lack of communication about the real value of the region and its existing or potential tourist products. Challenges Agriculture and agro-processing are the main economic sectors of the area and present several important problems that can be roughly summarised as follows: marketability of citrus varieties, ageing of groves, absence of fruits & vegetables market organization, lack of producer groups (cooperatives, etc), poor processing, packing, storage & marketing capacity, low entrepreneurs knowledge about business planning, standards, labelling, etc. Due to trade difficulties and isolation, agro-industrial and commercial enterprises have been mainly shaped for addressing the domestic demand. This has in turn brought some standardization problems that prevent these enterprises from exporting and competing on external markets. In terms of standardization, the basic problems are lack of information about EU and international standards, insufficient machinery and tools in enterprises (e.g. product classification/sorting and labelling machines, laboratory equipments, etc.), and lack of knowledge on how to use these machines. Another problem in exporting agricultural products (raw or processed) is the lack of cold storage at farm level and at ports that is compensated by cold containers brought by Turkish export companies, that increase the cost of transportation and decrease the negotiation power of Turkish Cypriot companies. Fishery. Within the context of eco- tourism which appears as main driving axis for the NWA, fishing boats could be used as tourist activities such as angling for special interest tourism groups. According to Livestock Department - Fishery section, there is high international demand for angling. Although angling of blue fin tuna, sword fish and other local species is a popular activity among tourists, this activity is not developed in the NWA, whose waters are instead exploited by Kyrenia/Girne-based professional tourist boats proposing daily trips. Within the context of developing sustainable tourism for NWA, registered artisanal fishing boats (adequately equipped for this activity in terms of safety) should be allowed to embark tourists for angling or diving in the NWA waters. This could provide an additional source of income for fishermen, contribute to their economic viability and reduce their dependence on subsidies. This requires the issuing of a regulation which details the minimum requirements that are necessary for a fishing boat to implement this activity. Promotion of fishery in the NWA should also be pursued. Gemikonağ proposes the launching of an annual international angling competition that could give momentum for revitalizing the fishery sector in the NWA. Tourism. Some private tourist operators are starting to give services directly connected with the rural vocation of the area such as Jeep Safari, Trekking, Mountain Bike, Horse Riding, Walking Tours, One day life with rural communities, etc. If this type of offer is not driven in the right direction some problems could occur given that: 1) Most of these activities are lead by resident foreigners. Most trails for equestrian, walking, trekking, mountain bike activities are not duly advertised with brochures, signs, etc. 2) Some tourist information offices refuse to promote this type of activities 3) Hotel receptionists don’t know the area and the offer of existing activities to be practiced 4) Lack of marketing actions supporting this kind of products in the TCc. 5) Most of the foreign tourists discover the availability of existing activities (excursions and experiences) only once they are on the spot, so it is difficult for them to optimise their vacation with pre-booking. The NWA’s tourist operators (accommodation, restaurants and tourist services) need a strong marketing plan and the implementation of related actions aimed at repositioning the NWA’s rural offer. This in turn will allow a better image, visibility and knowledge of the area that will adds value to the experience done in the area both in economic and tourist meanings. 34 35 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 4. The governance bodies in the NWA and their capacities District Office (Kaymakamlk) The majority of the North West Area is covered by the Güzelyurt district, and is under the authority of Güzelyurt Kaymakamlğ as the supreme local representative of central government33. The Güzelyurt Kaymakamlğ has two offices: the central office in Güzelyurt (district centre) and the bucak (subdistrict) office in Lefke. The main role of kaymakamlik is to ensure coordination and cooperation among the works of local branches of central authorities (department of agriculture, department animal husbandry, social services, department of employment, department of forestry, department of water, etc) and of other public organizations including municipalities through the coordination committee meeting held three times a year, and through daily communication. Kaymakamlik is also responsible for citizenship affairs like registration of population, giving passport, undertaking immigrant affairs, controlling and registering the establishment of associations; additionally it has authority to control and to give permission for hunting, tree cutting-pruning, giving license for fire guns etc. In terms of land management, its authority is limited to hali land and stream basins. Following the connection of villages to the municipalities, all responsibilities and authority in land development and construction have been transferred to the relevant municipalities. Municipalities and Villages The North West Area includes three municipal administrative areas: Güzelyurt, Lefke and Lapta. The first two fall within the borders of Güzelyurt district, Lapta under the Girne district. The establishment, authority, obligations and responsibilities of Turkish Cypriot community municipalities are regulated by the Law of Municipalities.34 Each municipality has under its territory some villages. Güzelyurt municipality as head of the district includes 16 muhtarlks while Lefke has only 13. Lapta attached to the Kyrenia district has the biggest number of muhtarliks, 19. The Municipalities are the most powerful bodies in terms of local affairs management and are generally well structured (different departments, etc) and have abundant human resources. However, the majority of the personnel is generally high school educated or under, with few of them holding university degrees, and there is a lack of technical capacities in many fields. The responsibilities of the municipalities (including the underlying villages) are the waste collection, water provision and maintenance of the water network, sewage development and maintenance, provision of lighting, architecture, gardening, parks and urban embellishment works. They also support a wide array of social and cultural activities but much less economic development activities. Municipalities are in charge of municipal- and intra- village roads that they finance from their own budgets. They have almost no duties with respect to education and healthcare. At village level the Muhtars have limited civil responsibilities (such as birth/death certificates, etc.). The consultation and coordination mechanisms between municipalities and other local stakeholders (Muhtars and the various civil society organizations) are weak and unstructured. This situation sometimes causes in the latter, a feeling of exclusion from the local governance process. Although the Law of Municipalities states the mandatory establishment of Muhtars Advisory Committees under the municipalities, up to now these have not been activated in all municipalities. Indeed there are some initial initiatives in terms of participation taken by the Güzelyurt and Lapta municipalities; Güzelyurt municipality organizes orange festival with a committee composed of representatives of some NGOs, and Lapta municipality established a tourism committee in which sector representatives also take place. But these initiatives are very limited and not institutionalized Role of the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) The civil society organisations are very active in the NWA. They had been involved actively in the drafting process of the Rural Development Plan (RDP) and Local Development Strategy through 33 34 The authority, obligation and responsibilities of district offices (kaymakamliks) is defined by the Law No. 33/1998 Law of Municipalities, No. 51/1995 35 36 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area thematic workshops proposed by RDST (agriculture/fishery, tourism/culture and environment/forestry). These CSOs were also very involved in preparing applications forms under the EUcalls for proposal. Nine CSOs were granted in the NWA, mainly in Lefke and Guzelyurt in environmental and cultural projects. Beside, some NGOs were supported also in Lefke by USAID and UNDP aiming at setting up composting and recycling organic wastes and wood, and training. Challenges The “bottom up approach” has been extensively used to define and prepare this local development strategy. To ensure its success and sustainability the ownership of the strategy by local public and private stakeholders is essential. Consequently the key local governance challenges are: The consultation and coordination mechanisms between central authorities, municipalities and other local stakeholders (Muhtars, civil society organizations and private sector operators, etc.) need to be improved and this will in turn improve the local governance of the area. The Municipalities are not aware of the means and modalities to activate and manage participatory mechanisms. To this extent the Municipalities and other stakeholders need capacity improvement and external support. Since the development and issuance of zoning plans is the responsibility of the “Town Planning Unit” municipalities are not allowed to play a role in stewarding the preservation of land and natural resources at the local level. In order to increase local responsibility and interest in playing this role, amendment to the legal framework should be foreseen to provide for a shared responsibility between central and local authorities for land use planning at the local level. ● A shared zoning system and the decentralization of enforcement of zoning restrictions will increase transparency and decrease uncertainty in public land use management, while at the same time allowing better safeguards for the preservation of land and other natural resources. This last achievement is of utmost importance if the long-term growth of the tourism sector is to be made sustainable. ● The development of public-private partnerships will enhance/increase the governance in the local areas, it is therefore important to increase the capacity of municipality staff as well as of staff of other local development committees and CSOs through provision of training on planning and strategy preparation, prioritisation, project design and implementation, etc. Law enforcement for all sectors (cultural heritage, environment/littering, animal health, construction sector, etc) increasing the number and quality of controls/inspections on the territory and the coordination of local activities with central authorities. 36 Natural heritage (Akdeniz beaches and forest areas, Kalkanli monumental olive grove, Besparmak and Troodos foothill forests) Historical heritage (Soli, Vouni, St. Mamas, Museum) Religious communities Weaknesses Unbalanced distribution of Neglected or dilapidated historical heritage (weak maintenance & site development). Existence of polluted areas. Un-valorized natural heritage (weak paths, no equipped beaches, accommodation, signalization, green activities). Tourism departments of Universities 37 Creation of tourist visitor centers and trails in the SEPA area (Natura 2000) Risk of extreme degradation of historical Mass tourism image of Cyprus island International perception of north Cyprus situation Ongoing integrated projects for the embellishment of the downtowns of Güzelyurt and Lapta Increase of sheep and goat population (overgrazing) Restrictions on international travel due to isolation Department of Forestry plans for insemination of Ayrelli as forestry product Lack of environmental consciousness of the population (littering) Uncontrolled collection of protected and/or of economic value species Pressure of construction in the area (vacation houses) Polluted sites Opening of Yesilirmak/Liminitis border with consequent increase in visitors. Lease agreement and related investments (CMC site rehabilitation) Threats Potential NATURA 2000 area and its related future investments Inadequate hazardous waste (agrochemical packages, food processing effluents) management Lack of systematic and comprehensive promotion of NWAs natural assets EU funded plan/designs of sewerage and WWTP for Lefke. Construction of Güzelyurt sewage system and WWTP Waste water management (no comprehensive sewerage systems and treatment plants) EU funded solid waste management project Opportunities A - Environment and Forests Solid waste management (garbage bins and transport, undifferentiated waste, dump design/ management). B - Heritage, Tourism and Handicraft No mass tourism and relatively low impact of new constructions (except Lapta town) High environmental value of the Special Environmental Protected Area (SEPA) Vast forested areas in the Troodos foothills with social functions. Dynamism of CSOs involved in environmental protection and valorisation Strengths II. - Territorial SWOT of the NWA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 37 Capacity for processing Marketing organizations for citrus and milk. Renown products on the international markets (Jaffa, potato, hellim, olive preserves, etc) Favorable conditions for varied mediterranean fruit & vegetable and sheep & goat production. Lack of appropriate and networked tourist promotion of NWA’s heritages (insufficient museography, visibility, tourist facilities and information materials) Training courses on handicrafts for village women. Potential to combine eco-tourism in the NWA with activities in the Karpaz Vocational training initiatives of the chamber of artisans and shop keepers. Small size of farms and high production costs Low animal productivity due to poor No fruits & vegetables market organization, lack of producer groups (cooperatives, etc) Citrus problems (quality, marketability of varieties, ageing of groves) 38 Salinisation from groundwater extraction Misuse of agro-chemicals Tourism committees in Lefke and Lapta Opening of the Girne Training Center for Hotel Management and Tourism Tourism master plan Opportunities Risk of inappropriate construction developments on the coasts Migration of young population from the villages buildings and monuments Threats purposes Uncontrolled animal Substitute citrus in salinised areas with salt Export trade limitations resistant crops Drought Citrus marketing organization to export other Competition from lower fruit & vegetables cost imported Unfulfilled local demand for olive, fruits and agricultural products vegetables Competition on export Expansion of agricultural exports to Middle East markets from other early and eastern Europe production countries of the south Mediterranean Use Güzelyurt WWTP effluents for agriculture C - Agriculture and fisheries Handicraft is social rather than market oriented. Poor training, workshop facilities, equipment and selling points. Festivals are not enough tourist oriented and coordinated. Insufficient professional capacity for tourism services Variety of traditional handicrafts made by village women and artisans. High potential for alternative tourism sector Degraded village/ urban environment Cultural heritage (festivals, handicrafts) Image of Lapta is linked to the mass tourism image of Kyrenia. accommodation capacity (few hotels in Lefke and Güzelyurt). (Maronite and Naqsbandi, mosques, churches) Weaknesses Strengths Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 38 Agricultural faculty EUL Linkage of processed agricultural products with eco-tourism Lease agreement for free trade zone and port of Gemikonagi Business advisory & vocational training (chamber of artisans and donors). Fishermen’s complementary economic activities Artisanal fishing potential Poor technological level of enterprises in production, packing, and labeling. Low entrepreneurs knowledge of business planning, standards, labeling Lack of effective vocational training system providing qualified labor to the sector. Good road, water supply, electrification and communications infrastructure CSOs in different fields (environment, social, Weak coordination mechanisms between different levels of public Lack of consultation mechanisms between civil society and public authorities at various levels Two universities with strong impact on local economies Weak village-level social services (for elderly and handicapped and medical emergency) and cultural facilities (including internet connections) Young dynamic and literate population Large unemployment particularly youth and women Landscapes and traditional village/rural architecture are not protected effectively Muhtars advisory committees foreseen by the Municipality law 39 Village depopulation especially young Government programme to introduce spatial planning in the northern part of Cyprus Political uncertainties discourage the investment in the area Presence of academicians and students diseases Threats D - Population and Governance Poor conditions of fishing shelters, fleet and equipments Poor processing, packing, storage & marketing capacity for fruits and vegetables Limited domestic and export market potential for cow milk products. Businesses providing services to agro-industry and farmers. EU funded extension (Crop and Animal Husbandry teams) and KOBI center Unused advisory services by farmers. Water pipeline project will bring water from Turkey. forage (quality & quantity) and hygiene. and packaging plants for citrus, olives and dairy products Opportunities Weaknesses Strengths Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 39 Willingness of central and local authorities to participate in local strategy design and public consultation etc) Strengths Lack of effective spatial planning. Tourism master plan has not been submitted for comments to local partners Weak control and law enforcement particularly for cultural heritage, environment (especially aquifer extraction, dumping and littering, exploitation of natural resources), animal health and construction sector authorities (village, municipality and central) Weaknesses Opportunities Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Threats LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 40 41 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area III. - Strategic Approach, Objectives and Measures 1. General Strategy This Local Development Strategy for the North West Area is framed under Axis 4 (Improving Local Governance - setting up LEADER approach) of the Rural Development Plan for the northern part of Cyprus35. The two measures36 under Axis IV of the RDP are meant for the introduction of the LEADER approach in the northern part of Cyprus. LEADER is one of the key components of the EU rural development policy. It is a methodological approach aiming at increasing the local governance and improving the capacity of local actors in territorial management by setting up Local Development Strategies (LDS). The basic principles of LEADER approach are the: Setting up, over a homogeneous territory with a clear identity and visibility, a coherent integrated and inter-sector local development strategy elaborated by local stakeholders on the basis of their perceived needs and the area’s endogenous potential. The strategy, based on the analyses, the SWOT and the challenges is elaborated in operational measures all seeking to induce dynamic development having results in the short term and stimulating initiative within TCc local community. Involvement of partnerships37 in each area while at the same time increasing the vertical dialogue with central TCc authorities. The involvement of the local actors in the development of their own territories contributes to launch virtuous economic, social and governance dynamics that are sustainable in the medium/long term and to the networking between actors of these areas in order to exchange experiences, stimulate leverage and synergies of projects having a wider strategic objective. The analysis undertaken on the ground underlines the valuable potential of the NWA based on its natural and historic heritages. These heritages are sensitive and fragile and increasingly under pressure from economic activities, neglect, urban sprawl, quarrying and other threats. It should be ensured that all future development in the NWA takes place in ways that are sustainable, not only environmentally but also in economic and social terms. Reflecting on the needs and opportunities established throughout the analysis of the area, the stakeholders have decided that the strategic objective of the area will be to: Enhance the natural, cultural and productive potential of the North West Area by encouraging upgrading and diversification of the rural economy (development of sustainable agriculture and tourism and the potential for rural-based businesses) and maximizing the advantages offered by the natural/cultural environment. In order to tackle this strategic objective it has been decided to enhance the tourism sector which appears to be the cornerstone for the social and economic development of the area strongly affected by environmental and social threats. Three priorities are proposed to implement this strategy: 1st Priority: To improve the conditions for the development of the micro and small enterprises by supporting collective actions 2nd Priority: To enhance the cultural and natural heritage rd 3 Priority: To improve the quality of life 35 Rural Development Plan 2008-11 for the northern part of Cyprus (Second Update of May 2010). Measure 4.1, by which capacity building activities will be proposed to set up public-private partnerships and to drawing up the local development strategies and Measure 4.2, by which local action groups will implement local development strategies in the selected territories with a view to achieving the broad objectives of rural development policy as specified in the three axis of the northern part Cyprus RDP, according to the strategy drawn up at local level and materialized in projects individually made. 37 These partnerships called “community-based development committees” or in the EU “Local Action Groups” include representatives of local authorities (municipalities, de-centralised offices of TCc authorities, banks and chambers as well as muhtars, civil society organizations, enterprises and individuals) representing the main local actors. 36 41 42 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LEADER will not tackle all the structural weaknesses of the area. Nevertheless as key principle, the North West Area stakeholders want to use its LEADER programme to initiate the conditions of a local development by catalyzing the energies towards some key potential sectors. By a better mobilization and orientation of the local actors due to the LEADER bottom up approach, the implementation of the LDS in the North West Area constitutes a tool which will allow a better coordination between the different international support programmes (EU, UNDP, USAID and Turkish aid, etc.) 1st Priority: To improve the conditions for the development of the micro and small enterprises by supporting collective actions In order to maintain the population in the area, the development of some competitive activities in the sectors of agriculture, tourism and agro-processing in particular are crucial. These sectors passed through a harsh period due to the lack of investments, the rural-to-urban migration and emigration to foreign countries and the recent economic crisis. For these sectors, LEADER must support the setting up of conditions for a sustainable development. Special support will be delivered to the projects undertaken by stakeholders regrouped into producer-groups, cooperatives or associations. These structures will increase the competitiveness of the local products and producers by allowing the reduction of production costs. Moreover, these collective structures will facilitate the diffusion of knowledge and training among their members. All the projects aiming at developing a professional marketing including conditioning, branding and publicity, will be encouraged particularly those promoting a strong link between the product and the area. To face these challenges, the leverage used will be to: Upgrade the agriculture production respecting the EU food safety, quality and environmental requirements while conserving energy and water resources Foster the cooperation among economic operators by increasing their skills with special emphasis on territorial marketing of the local products Support the activities fitted with the natural image of the area and contributing to increase employment and the attractiveness of the rural area 2nd Priority: To enhance the cultural and natural heritage The major threats affecting the natural and the cultural heritages in the North West Area such as uncontrolled construction, CMC area or degradation of the natural or cultural sites will not be tackled by LEADER due to the lack of funds. Nevertheless, LEADER must support some awareness activities among the population, in particular the youth in order to increase the knowledge of the population about the fragile heritage. Moreover, some symbolic projects aiming at enhancing some key site representing the image of the area should be undertaken in order to reinforce the image and the attractiveness of the area. The Natura 2000 area is an outstanding potential for the area in order to valorize and to protect its natural heritage. This area supported by this European label will become more visible for the visitor and should be promoted. To face these challenges, the leverage used will be to: Increase the protection and awareness of the population as regard high natural value areas with a particular attention in the enhancement of the public amenity value of Natura 2000 areas Preserve and increase attractiveness of the cultural sites and increase the promotion of the area by improving the territorial marketing of its assets 3rd Priority: To improve the quality of life The North West Area is affected by weak health and cultural facilities especially in the villages and for youth and elderly populations. Some facilities should be supported through LEADER for this targeted population in order to reinforce the social cohesion of the area and to enlarge the perspectives of the young 42 43 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area generation. Moreover, maintaining the area clean and reinforcing the cohesion between the municipalities and their village could be targeted through the strategy by funding some projects (vehicles/investments) aiming at embellishing and maintaining proper the urban areas. Nevertheless, these investments aiming at reinforcing the social cohesion of the area won’t have the expected impact if they are not jointly implemented with awareness activities aiming at increasing the local governance of the area first of all among the local stakeholders but also between these actors and the central authorities. To face these challenges, the leverage used will be to: Improve the social and health conditions of the population by increasing the awareness and upgrading required facilities Improve the local governance 43 Enhance the natural, cultural and productive potential of the North West Area by encouraging upgrading and diversification of the rural economy (development of sustainable agriculture and tourism and the potential for ruralbased businesses) and maximizing the advantages offered by the natural/cultural environment Strategic objective To improve the quality of life in the North west area To enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the North West Area To improve the conditions for the development of the micro and small enterprises by supporting collective actions Priorities To improve the local governance To improve the social and health conditions of the population by increasing the awareness setting up the required facilities To preserve and to increase attractiveness of the cultural site and increase the promotion of the area by improving the territorial marketing of its assets Enhance the efficiency and empowerment of local administration 44 heritage Improve area basic community services and infrastructures Area promotion, natural/cultural protection/valorisation Set up and strengthening of rural tourism enterprises To support the activities fitted with the natural image of the area and contributing to increase employment and the attractiveness of the rural area. To increase the protection and awareness of the population as regard high natural value areas with a particular attention in the enhancement of the public amenity value of Natura 2000 areas Set-up and strengthening of producer groups/associations Improving farm production and post harvest capacities Measures To foster the cooperation among economic operators by increasing their skills with special emphasis on territorial marketing of the local products To upgrade the agriculture production respecting the EU food safety, quality and environmental requirements while conserving energy and water resources Operational objective Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 44 Measures Improving farm production and post harvest capacities Set-up and strengthening of producer groups/associations Set up and strengthening of rural Operational objective To upgrade the agriculture production respecting the EU food safety, quality and environmental requirements while conserving energy and water resources To foster the cooperation among economic operators by increasing their skills with special emphasis on territorial marketing of the local products To support the activities fitted with the 45 Encourage setting up and/or upgrade (renewing plants and equipments) of micro/ small enterprises in the service (social, environment) and productive (handicrafts, agro food, fishery) sectors. Promote the commercialization of local products (agricultural, forestry, handicrafts…) through the implementation of a NWA quality label, granting production processes, area of origin, etc. and introduction of packaging and branding linked to the North West Area. Foster the grouping/association/networking of the local rural/eco/nature tourism stakeholders and increasing their operational capacity. This can be done providing advisory services on standards/pricing, international promotion/marketing, management, networking and tourist circuits, preparation of territorial information materials, and provision of equipment for common tourism activities such as a NWA tourism office, a common Logo, internet web site, posters, leaflets and participation to international events, etc) Increase and/or improve the production of small "niche" agricultural and forestry products like pomegranate, grapes, organic products, dates, particular citrus, walnuts, honey as well as mushrooms, berries, wild herbs (sage, rosmarin, thyme...) Support fishermen associations to set up artificial reefs (in order to restore fish stocks), and improve fishermen shelters (equipments for fish cold storage, etc) Encourage the establishment of farmer producers’ organizations aimed at improving incomes of the members, compliance with quality standards (including of cottage/homemade processed goods if applicable), fostering cost reduction (inputs, machinery), and strengthening the territorial promotion /branding and marketing Upgrade and develop post-harvest facilities and processing equipment Qualify the work force in different fields (rural/eco-tourism, agriculture/agro- processing & packaging, handicrafts, etc.) by organizing training courses in languages, accounting & management, marketing and technical skills, etc. Improve farm level availability of renewable energies (wind and solar). Support water saving water pumping systems and/or field and greenhouse irrigation systems. Improve field and greenhouse machinery (planting, fertilizing, weeding & pest control, pruning, harvesting, hay making, loading) and installations (greenhouses) Potential Projects 1st Priority To improve the conditions for the development of the micro and small enterprises by supporting collective actions Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 45 natural image of the area and contributing to increase employment and the attractiveness of the rural area. tourism enterprises Diversify fishermen’s incomes by equipping artisanal fishing boats in terms of safety to embark tourists for angling or nets setting. 46 Encourage establishment and/or renovation of micro/ small enterprises like small hotels/ pensions, restaurants & cafes and support activities that strengthen the value and length of the tourism season. Mainly through provision of new installations (kitchens, energy conservation and micro-generation, etc.) and diversification of services and activities for the tourists (diving centre, sport-angling, horse-riding, biking, bird/flora/fauna watching, cultural heritage and oeno-gastronomic tours, etc.) Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 46 To preserve and to increase attractiveness of the cultural and rural heritage and increase the promotion of the area by improving the territorial marketing of its assets To increase the protection and awareness of the population as regard high natural value areas with a particular attention in the enhancement of the public amenity value of Natura 2000 areas Operational objective Area promotion, natural/cultural heritage protection/valorisation Measures Finance the realization and improvement of tourism-related infrastructure (such as access roads, info points, parking and picnic areas and tourist reception areas in important attraction sites, walking/biking trails, etc Promote the “territorial marketing” of NWA, improve the visibility of the area and support networking within and outside the NWA. Ths can be achieved through the preparation and implementation of a policy/plan aimed at promoting the image of NWA (traditional products, precious environment, historical/cultural heritage and human factor as well as their inter-relationships) 47 Conserving and upgrading the rural heritage through restoration of small outstanding rural architecture (mosques, churches, tombs, aqueducts…) Support public/private co financing of projects to protect and valorize historical sites such as provision of basic protection means (external fence, etc), new or improved tourist info points, provision of basic information materials, etc. Increase the number and improve the quality of events like festivals, folk dancing shows, special sport or cultural events proposed in the NWA. These activities must be coordinated and coherently connected to the territorial assets: nature, culture and vocation (in terms of local products, handicrafts, traditions, etc). Networking with associated areas (f. i. Karpaz) should considered an asset. Preserve and enhance the natural sites, particularly those included in NATURA 2000 program, supporting activities aimed at keeping the area clean (supply of garbage bins and recycling containers to villages and municipalities, cleaning campaigns, appropriate/warning signalization, pilot collection of reusable waste materials, pilot eco-friendly activities, etc.) Support environmental awareness through education and information and support conservation projects aiming at preserving the biodiversity (turtles, seals, birds, etc.) including marine protected areas. Potential Projects 2nd Priority To enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the North West Area Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 47 Improve area basic community services and infrastructures Enhance the efficiency and empowerment of local administration To improve the social and health conditions of the population by increasing the awareness setting up the required facilities To improve the local governance Support the damage assessment of village septic tanks, finance restoration/substitution of damaged tanks and support the establishment of a treatment plant for septic mud and agro-processing effluents. Support community internet access in rural NWA (purchase of hardware for internet cafés and village halls, etc) Finance the realization and improvement of small scale social buildings and the start up of social activities like “health, elderly and kindergarten centers”. Provision of life-saving equipped ambulances, better medical and laboratory equipments of the Health Centres Provide training on social issues linked with kindergarten and elderly care activities Provision of capacity improvement and external support to Municipalities and other stakeholders to improve participatory consultation and coordination mechanisms between central authorities, municipalities and other local stakeholders (Muhtars, civil society organizations and private sector operators, etc.) need to be improved and this will in turn improve the local governance of the area Support the establishment of a North West Area local development committee involving local public and private stakeholders with the aim of implementing and coordinating territorial development initiatives as spelled out in this Local Development Strategy, thus ensuring its sustainability Provision of training on planning and strategy preparation, prioritisation, project design and implementation, etc. municipality staff as well as of staff of other local development committees and CSOs through Setting up policies to provide shared responsibilities between central and local authorities aiming at of enforcement of zoning restrictions. Implement a solid spatial planning policy (Master Plan) in order to protect and valorize the fragile natural and cultural/historical heritages and prioritize related investments. Improve the law enforcement for all sectors by increasing the number and quality of 48 controls/inspections on the territory (cultural heritage, construction sector, littering and illegal dumping, animal health, illegal fishing, etc Support investments for renewing villages and municipalities to make the area more attractive. Restoration of small outstanding places and streets in downtown of villages and municipalities (including embellishment of private and public front wall Support needs assessments of municipalities in terms of garbage trucks and bins, and finances the purchase of such equipments. Potential Projects Local Development Strategy forplanning the North-West improving land use as well as Area the decentralization Measures Operational objective 3rd Priority To improve the quality of life in the North West Area Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 48 49 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 2. Action Plan The overall objective of the NWA Local Development Strategy is to enhance the natural, cultural and productive potential of the North West Area by encouraging upgrading and diversification of the rural economy (development of sustainable agriculture and tourism and the potential for rural-based businesses) and maximizing the advantages offered by the natural/cultural environment. The NWA LDS is built around three priorities and six measures: Priority 1: To take into account of the economic changes in offering to the micro and small enterprises the conditions of their development by supporting collective actions Measure 1.1: Improving farm production and post harvest capacities Measure 1.2 . Set-up and strengthening of producer groups/associations Measure 1.3 Set up and strengthening of rural tourism enterprises Priority 2: To enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the North West Area Measure 2.1: Area promotion, natural/cultural heritage protection/valorisation Priority 3: To improve the quality of life in the North West area Measure 3.1: Improve area basic community services and infrastructures Measure 3.2: Enhance the efficiency and empowerment of local administration 50 50 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Measure 1.1 : Improve farm production and post harvest capacities Code of the measure: 1.1 Rationale for intervention Due to the NWA’s favourable climate, flat and partly hilly landform, fertile soils and water availability, agriculture is a key economic sector in the NWA where more than half of the land and the great majority of water are used for crop production. Farmers are experienced in their work. The NWA is a producer of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which distinguish it from the rest of the northern part of Cyprus while the importance of livestock activities is reduced and do not represent the main source of income. The great agricultural potential of the NWA provides opportunities for the development of industrial and commercial enterprises based on processing and packaging of agricultural products such as citrus, potatoes, olive, artichoke, etc. For most of the processed agricultural products, the volume of production exceeds local demand and have thus to be exported. For this purpose a general need is the improvement of capacities of processing enterprises in certification, packaging and labelling. Another problem in exporting agricultural products (raw or processed) is the lack of cold storage at farm level and at ports. The sector shows important problems that can be roughly summarised as follows: marketability of citrus varieties, ageing of groves, poor mechanisation, ageing irrigation systems, lack of on-farm renewable energies, poor processing, packing, storage & marketing capacity To meet the previous constraints this measure is designed to support farmers in adopting modern production techniques, in complying with the EU quality standards and in taking profit from new opportunities to make rural areas more attractive and viable. Another key challenge for the agricultural/agro-processing sector in NWA is to encourage the establishment of producers’ organisations aimed at improving compliance with quality standards, fostering cost reduction (inputs, machinery), and strengthening the territorial promotion /branding and marketing. Objectives General objective To upgrade the agriculture production respecting the EU food safety, quality and environmental requirements while conserving energy and water resources Specific objectives The action (or project) proposed must address one or more of the following specific objectives: Improvement of the competitiveness of farms; Reduction irrigation water use; Upgrade the farm to meet work safety and/or environmental requirements; Upgrade the farm to meet food safety and/or products marketing quality; Reduce post harvest losses and increase the production added value. Considering the actual low average size of farms in TCc and to improve the chances to meet the previous objectives, this measure favours the grouping of producer into producer groups. Sectors addressed Annual crops (mainly potatoes & vegetables); Perennial crops (citrus, oliveyards, vineyards and other orchards) 51 51 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Greenhouse productions Post harvest Type of actions to be supported 1 – Perennial crops investments Plantation/renewal of citrus orchards using new marketable varieties or substitution of citrus orchards with other salt resistant perennial crops 2 - Field and greenhouse machinery Purchase of machinery for, planting, fertilizing, weeding and pest control, pruning, harvesting, hay making, loading, etc. 3 Irrigation systems Improvement of existing water pumping systems38 and/or existing irrigation systems for in field and greenhouses. 4 Renewable energies Purchase and installation of wind and solar energy production devices for farm level electricity needs. 5 Greenhouses Purchase and installation of polythene greenhouses for establishment of new, or upgrading and modernization of existing ones. 6 Honey production Purchase of equipment for honey production and processing 7 Post-Harvest Purchase and installation of equipment for reception, storage, weighing, cleaning, grading, sorting, conditioning, packaging, labelling, processing and cold storage of agricultural products. Beneficiaries Farmers (natural or legal persons) or Producer Groups39 established or resident in the North West Area Quantified targets for EU common indicators Type of indicator Output Indicator Target Number of supported actions Total volume of investment Number of farmers benefiting from improved technology Result Number of women benefiting from improved technology Number of donum where improved irrigation systems have been installed 38 Drilling of new bore holes is not eligible. 39 As defined in the Rural Development plan 2008-2011 for the northern part of Cyprus 52 52 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Number of associations involved in cooperation process through supported investments Impact Net additional value expressed in PPS Net additional full time equivalent jobs created Links with other Measures The measure is linked to the measures 1.2 and 1.3. Measure 1.2 . Set-up and strengthening of producer groups/ associations Code of the measure: 1.2 Rationale for intervention Main constraints of agricultural, agro-processing, tourism effectively addressed through collective activities aimed standards, fostering cost reduction, introducing new methodologies and creating the critical mass needed for marketing. and fishery sectors in NWA could be at improving compliance with quality more appropriate technologies and strengthening territorial promotion and Agriculture and agro-processing are characterised by the absence of fruits & vegetables market organization, lack of producer groups (cooperatives, etc), poor marketing capacity, low entrepreneurs knowledge about business planning, standards, labelling, etc. The rural tourist operators or potential ones of the NWA have serious deficiencies in language skills and internet knowledge, qualification of their product and marketing and promotion. The NWA’s tourist operators (accommodation, restaurants and tourist services) need a strong marketing plan and the implementation of related actions aimed at repositioning the NWA’s rural offer. Artisanal fishing is limited in the NWA. The shelters have very unsatisfactory infrastructure and equipment conditions. None of these has specific facilities for landing, storage and sale of fishery products, facilities for vessel maintenance, water, fuel and ice supply are also lacking. Therefore special support must be delivered to the projects undertaken by stakeholders regrouped into producer-groups, cooperatives or associations. These structures will increase the competitiveness of the local products and producers by allowing the reduction of production costs. Moreover, these collective structures will facilitate the diffusion of knowledge and training among their members. Objectives General objective Improve economic activities and human potential fostering cooperation among economic operators and increasing their skills. Specific objectives Development of competitive activities in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, fishery and agroprocessing ; Encourage the establishment of farmers/producers organizations aimed at improving incomes of the members, compliance with quality standards fostering cost reduction; Develop a professional marketing including conditioning, branding and publicity; 53 53 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Qualify the work force in different fields (rural/eco-tourism, agriculture/agro- processing & packaging, handicrafts, etc.); Foster the grouping/association/networking of the local rural/eco/nature tourism stakeholders and increase their operational capacity; Sectors addressed Agriculture/ Husbandry Tourism/Handicraft Fishery Type of actions to be supported 1. Agriculture/Husbandry Reinforcement of institutional and operational capacities of existing producer groups and associations; Set-up of new producer groups/associations Training in accounting & management, marketing and technical skills etc. 2. Tourism Training in languages, accounting & management, marketing and technical skills etc.; Advisory services on standards/pricing, international promotion/marketing, management, networking and tourist circuits. Information and guidance to diversify the offer by developing synergies and networks with other areas (such as the Karpaz) Preparation of territorial information materials; Provision of equipment for commonly managed tourist activities such as mini-buses, photovoltaic solar panels, etc.; 3. Fishery Training courses on technical issues; Establishment of artificial reefs; Provision and installation of jointly managed equipment. Beneficiaries Existing and new legally established Associations/Cooperatives and Producer Groups40 of Farmers/Breeders/Fishermen/Tourism operators, established in the North West Area. Quantified targets for EU common indicators Type of indicator Indicator Target Number of producers organizations/ associations established Output Number of supported actions Total grant expenditure 40 As defined in the Rural Development plan 2008-2011 for the northern part of Cyprus. 54 54 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Number of entrepreneurs addressed by project actions Number of items purchased for joint management N. of training courses organized N. of training days delivered Result N. of people trained N. of artificial reefs installed N. of shelters equipped N. of boats equipped Net additional value created Impact Number of entrepreneurs adopting Quality codes/standards Total number of tourist presences Links with other Measures This measure is linked with measures 1.1 and 1.3. Measure 1.3 Set up and strengthening of rural tourism enterprises Code of the measure: 1.3 Rationale for intervention The North West Area is characterized by high unemployment rates, especially among women and young people, although the area could provide employment opportunies in small scale rural tourism and related activities. This is contingent to the valorisation of the main attractions of the area (the unique natural, historical and cultural heritage of the area representd by the Akdeniz SEPA, Soli, Vouni, Lefke, etc). Most of the accommodation and tourism services of the NWA are located in Lapta town, whereas the main attractions of the area do not avail of appropriate and adequately fitted accommodations and services for tourists. The mass-tourism oriented hotels in Lapta town are old fashioned and cannot compete with the newly developed mass tourism areas of Girne and Bafra. A new orientation of tourism for Lapta is needed, to attract clients interested in combining sea/sun with natural and cultural excursions. In parallel, it is necessary to develop in an appropriate and sustainable way the rural/eco tourism in the area where the main natural and cultural attractions of the NWA are located. The development of eco and rural tourism in the area will not only provide new employment opportunities for the local people, but also would contribute to raise the awareness on natural and historical-cultural heritage of the area that will lead to protection and valorisation of these assets. Objectives of the measure 1.3 General objective To support the set-up of new tourism-related activities (accommodation, catering, services, etc) linked to the valorisation of local natural and historical resources, and contributing to increase employment, as well as the overall attractiveness of rural areas in NWA. 55 55 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Specific objectives Support the set-up and marketing of “niche” agricultural/crafts products Upgrade and/or set-up sale points/workshops for handicrafts, agro-produce, services Promotion of rural/eco tourism sector nearby relevant protected areas; Use of renewable energies in rural tourism units; Conservation and valorisation of traditional rural buildings for new rural tourism offer; Improve local human resources and ease the participation of women/young people in the tourism sector Sectors addressed: 1. Rural/eco accommodation and catering 2. Rural/eco tourism ancillary activities to complement the rural tourism offer 3. Provision of services to the rural/eco-tourism sector 4. Human resource development Type of actions to be supported Renovation/upgrading, refurbishment and equipping41 of existing traditional farm/village buildings for tourism purposes.42 Provision of specialised trainings and advisory assistance for managing/marketing tourism products (including foreign languages) Set-up of new tourism-related initiatives (diving centre, sport-angling, horse-riding, biking, bird/flora/fauna watching, cultural heritage and wine-gastronomic tours, etc.) Equipping artisanal fishing boats in terms of safety to embark tourists for angling/fishing) Restoring and/or furnishing traditional and cultural sites of interest for rural tourism purposes (old cellars, old olive oil mills, carob warehouses, caves, flour mills, wine/ zivania tasting rooms, etc.) Construction of swimming pools for existing rural/eco tourism outfits, minimum 1 km from the seashore, with at least 6 bedrooms. Purchase of storage/packaging/labelling/laboratory equipment for typical "niche" farm-produce (pomegranate, grapes, dates, citrus, walnuts, honey, etc), food (specialty products such as pekmez, macun, samarella, pastrma, zeytinli, hellimli) and non-food products (soaps, creams, oils, etc), and handicrafts. Set up and marketing of integrated tourist packages (promoted by minimum 5 operators).43 Development/adoption of voluntary quality standards for accommodation and catering. Beneficiaries The beneficiaries for all the actions are: Natural and legal persons (companies, partnerships and cooperatives, NGOs). 41 Furniture, kitchens, solar photovoltaic and micro-wind generation, etc. Rural tourist pensions and small hotels (with a maximum of 10 bedrooms), traditional restaurants, workshops and selling points for local products and handicrafts. 43 Accommodation, catering, guided and hiking tours, establishment of web-portal/agency to market rural tourist offer, and other ancillary activities. 42 56 56 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Quantified indicators Type of indicator Output Indicator Target Number of supported actions Total volume of investment Number of enterprises benefiting from marketing actions Total electric power installed on tourism units (solar panels and microwind turbines) Number of old buildings restored for tourism purposes Result Number of new tourist services established Number of trained entrepreneurs Number of new beds in rural areas created by projects Number of farms selling their products via the rural tourism sector Number of tourists hosted in tourism units Impact % of rural tourism employees that are either women or young (< 40 ys. old) Net additional full time equivalent jobs created Links with other Measures: This measure is linked to measure 2.1. and to measures 1.1 and 1.2. Measure 2.1 Area promotion, natural/cultural heritage protection/ valorisation Code of the measure: 2.1 Rationale for intervention The NWA includes important historical heritage elements like Soli site, Vouni Palace, Saint Mamas Church and Museum of Archaeology and Nature, old water mills and carob houses, old village houses with Ottoman and traditional architecture, and high natural value areas like Akdeniz SEPA area, that is a potential Natura 2000 area with its endemics and various flora and fauna, Lefke forests on the Troodos foot hills with beautiful landscapes, etc. But these historical and natural assets can neither be protected nor valorised properly due to lack of awareness about the value of these assets both among local people and authorities, lack of funds and of project ideas. The great majority of the natural, historical and cultural heritages elements of the NWA lack of effective management, protection and restoration and are threatened by a number of activities (littering, uncontrolled construction, over-grazing, etc). The existing natural and historical/cultural heritages constitute valuable assets for the development of the tourism potential of the area, but because of the lack of an effective promotion policy, this potential is not realized. The key rationale is therefore to increase the awareness of the population regarding high natural value areas (also promoting concrete demonstration actions), with a particular attention in the enhancement of the public amenity value of Natura 2000 areas and of the unspoilt beaches. In addition, special efforts should be put in place to preserve and to increase attractiveness of the historical/cultural sites. 57 57 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area All of this should be complemented by structured territorial promotional/marketing policies and initiatives, also addressing the quality of organized cultural events. Objectives of the measure 2.1 General objective To improve the overall level of attractiveness of the NWA and to increase the awareness of the population about the main natural and cultural assets that can be found in rural areas, to be jointly promoted with its agro-food specialties Specific objectives Support environmental awareness of local residents and visitors about key environmental issues at stake (littering of beaches, biodiversity protection, energy saving, etc), and the implementation of cleaning initiatives Contribute to the conservation and valorisation of high-value natural resources existing in the NWA (Akdeniz and Besparmak SEPAs, Kalkanli Olive grove, forest areas in Lefke area) Support public/private efforts aiming at protecting and valorizing historical and cultural sites located in the rural areas and in villages Support the promotion of eco/rural-tourism initiatives and their synergy with local typical food/handicraft production (territorial marketing) Improve human resources and prepare/implement territorial marketing initiatives Sectors addressed: 5. Ancillary activities and services to the rural tourism sector 6. Environmental awareness and education 7. Rural and traditional/cultural heritage 8. Enhancement of the countryside and of natural resources 9. Territorial marketing and development of human resources Type of actions to be supported Improve the organization of cultural and folk events like festivals, folk dancing shows, and special sport/ cultural events to make them more coherently connected to the cultural/natural assets of NWA. Training of children at schools (primary and secondary) about environmental issues and cleaning activities; Organization of environmental campaigns (cleaning beaches, forests, etc., awareness campaign for protecting biological diversity, etc); Production of information/awareness materials and warning boards for environmental cleaning; Demonstration activities on sustainability issues and technologies and pilot projects for separate collection of reusable wastes, composting, recycling, etc; Support conservation projects aiming at preserving the biodiversity (turtles, seals, birds, etc.) 58 58 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Conservation and protection of historical sites and monuments44 through restoration and fencing and promotion of them;45 Protection and promotion of traditional local handicrafts.46 Provision of garbage bins and separate waste collection containers for protected natural areas (SEPA/NATURA 2000, National Parks,); Increase attractiveness47 and accessibility48 of tourism points; Development of promotion materials like web portal, brochures, fliers, documentaries, films etc; Set up of interpretation signs in different languages; Study and adoption of an integrated logo and marketing plan for the LDS area Improve municipality staff capacities through provision of training on the protection and valorisation of the natural and cultural/historical heritages of the area.49 Beneficiaries The beneficiaries for the above mentioned activities are: Legal persons (companies, foundation, cooperatives, civil society organisations) Relevant public authorities and Municipalities. Quantified indicators Type of indicator Indicator Target Number of supported actions Output Total number of project participants Number of trained persons Number of sites benefiting from project interventions Total area interested by cleaning activities Result Number of interpretation signs installed Number of associations involved in project activities Number of visitors to web sites Impact Number of foreign visitors to local festivals Net additional full time equivalent jobs created 44 Mosques, churches, tombs, aqueducts, etc. Signalization, information boards, tourism reception points, information materials, etc. 46 Documenting, training, establishing local ethnographic museums, establishing selling points, etc. 47 Walking trails, biking paths, picnic areas, bird/flora/fauna watching points, et 48 Maintenance of trails, provision of small and unpaved parking, etc 49 Theoretical and on-the-job training on planning and strategy preparation, prioritisation, project design and implementation, etc. 45 59 59 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Links with other Measures: This measure is linked to measures 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 3.1. Measure 3.1 Improve area basic community services and infrastructures Code of the measure: 3.1 Rationale for intervention The lack, or the poor quality, of health and social services is a major problem in the rural areas of NWA. Especially elderly people in remote rural areas are suffering from lack of sufficient health services, daily care and social activities. The only hospital of the area is located in Gemikonagi near Lefke. The poorly equipped health centres located in municipality centres can not provide qualified and efficient health services to the population in the remote villages. Solid waste and waste water management in the area is poor creating serious environmental and public health problems; the municipalities of the area, with limited resources, can not reach the scattered villages for collection of garbage in an effective and efficient way. Another serious constraint in this issue is the lack of environmental awareness among local population that reflects on the littering on valuable forest areas of the NWA. NWA includes valuable historical and natural assets that are important attraction factor for tourists, but centres of the majority of the villages are falling down, that decreases the attractiveness of these villages for tourists and beautifulness of these areas for local inhabitants. Additionally these settlements are lacking basic social and cultural facilities like internet, community centres, libraries, movie and theatre hall, etc., for young people that could keep them in the villages. The aim of this measure is to increase quality of life and the attractiveness of rural areas by supporting the improvement of basic social and health services and small infrastructures. This will include the renewal of villages and municipalities, the realization and improvement of small social centers, the improvement of health services, recreational and cultural services, effective management of solid and water wastes, cooperation among local stakeholders. Objectives General objective To improve the quality of life in rural areas through providing qualified social and health services Specific objectives To Improve the quality of health services through provision of life-saving equipped ambulances, better medical and laboratory equipments of the Health Centers To improve the accessibility to internet services in rural NWA (purchase of hardware for internet cafés and village halls, etc). To improve the sanitary conditions of the rural areas (waste and water management) To improve the social and cultural services especially for elderly, youth, and children To support the embellishment of rural settlements. 60 60 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Sectors to be addressed Social services Culture Sanitation and Infrastructure Human resource development Type of actions to be supported Improvement of medical infrastructure of health services in rural communities through providing medical equipments, laboratories and well-equipped ambulances, Setting up of computer rooms with internet connection in communal places such libraries, community centres, social clubs etc., and training of local people on using computer and internet, Preparation of need assessment studies for solid waste management systems of municipalities, and implementation of integrated projects for solid waste disposal, Preparation of need assessment studies of municipalities for village septic tanks, and restoration or replacement of damaged septic tanks, and establishment of treatment plants for septic mud and agro-processing effluents, Establishment of drinking water treatment plants, Establishment of social and cultural centres for elderly, young, women and children, Embellishment of village squares and main streets. Beneficiaries Municipalities, Non-profit non-governmental organizations, Universities Quantified targets for EU common indicators Type of indicator Indicator Target Number of supported actions Output Total volume of investment Volume of investment related to village embellishment Number of health centres equipped with medical equipments, laboratories and ambulances Number of computer and internet centres established Number of garbage trucks and bins Result Number of septic tanks renovated or replaced Number of houses served by treated drinking water Number of social and cultural centres established Number of villages in which embellishment works have been undertaken Impact Number of people benefiting from health centres and ambulances 61 61 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Number of people using internet rooms Satisfaction level of people with solid waste and waste water management services of municipalities Satisfaction level of people with drinking water Number of people who uses the services of social and cultural centres Rate of net migration Links with other Measures This measure is linked to measures 2.1, 3.1, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. Measure 3.2 Enhance efficiency and empowerment of local administration Code of the measure: 3.2 Rationale for intervention Local administrations play a vital role for the rural development while implementation, success and future sustainability of LDS actions mostly depend on good governance linked to local stakeholders’ ownership. Therefore empowerment and capacity building of local administration are key pre-conditions for the effective implantation of LDS. NWA has some fundamental problems in terms of governance; - lack of sufficient law enforcement and land use (physical) planning, that affect adversely the protection and valorisation of natural and cultural heritage, unsustainable use of natural resources and food safety; - unclear delineation of responsibilities and authorities and lack of coordination and cooperation between local and central stakeholders that prevents smooth operations of development actions in rural areas, synergies and local ownership. - lack of sufficient technical capacity in local stakeholders. Support should be provided to reinforce the territorial coherence and synergies among the local stakeholders. Creating local cooperation and partnerships which brings all forces together in the territory is regarded as a fundamental condition for the success of the LDS. Both the success in implementation of LDS and the sustainable development of NWA depends on the solution of these problems. Objectives General objective To reinforce the territorial coherence and synergies between the local stakeholders Specific objectives To improve the institutional capacities of the local administrations To implement a solid spatial planning policy To improve the local governance in the NWA area To improve the law enforcement for all sectors 62 62 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Sectors to be addressed Governance Human resource development Local administrations Type of actions to be supported Preparation of area-based master plans in order to protect and valorize the fragile natural and cultural/historical heritages and prioritize related investments Training of municipality staff on planning and strategy preparation, project design, management and implementation, Establishment of a NWA local development committee involving local public and private stakeholders with the aim of implementing and coordinating territorial development initiatives as spelled out in this Local Development Strategy, thus ensuring its sustainability Defining and establishing coordination mechanisms between local and central authorities, (Muhtars, various civil society organizations, private sector operators, etc.) in order to increase local participation in territorial decision-making Capacity building for inspection/controls on the territory (construction sector, littering and illegal dumping, animal health, illegal fishing, etc) Beneficiaries Municipalities, central public authorities, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, Quantified targets for EU common indicators Type of indicator Output Indicator Target 2008-2009 Number of supported actions Total volume of investment Number of master plans prepared Number of municipality staff trained Result Impact Number of stakeholders involved in local development committee established Number of committees for coordination between local and central authorities Number of public consultation mechanisms established and implemented under municipalities The surface of natural protected areas and number of cultural/historical assets brought into proper management The number and size of illegal actions in terms of natural resource use and littering The size of protected areas and cultural/historical assets 63 63 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Links with other Measure Measure 3.2 is a cross-cutting measure and success implementation of this measure would facilitate the smooth implementation of all other measures and ownership of NWA LDS as a whole. On the other hand, cooperative actions under measures 1.2 and 2.1 would create experiences that will contribute to the implementation of Measure 3.2. 3 - Alignment with other strategies This local development strategy for the North West Area is in compliance with the local legislative framework for the different sectors and the orientations proposed by the key strategic documents prepared by the TCc central authorities50. The strategy foresees complementarities with national and international funding programmes in order to ensure that the development process within the NWA is delivered effectively, aiming at making best use of the resources to support and achieve the objectives set out within this Local Development Strategy. This document has been prepared in close collaboration with the following projects: Crop and Animal Husbandry Projects, NATURA 2000, SME Project – ONG Projects – Vocational training Project funded by the EU and the USAID funded EDGE-Kobi Centre IV. - The partnership The successful preparation of this LDS has seen the contribution and participation of a number of local public and private local stakeholders coming from different sectors (See Section V – Consultation Process). These stakeholders have still not established a formal Local Development Committee (LDC) at the moment the LDS is brought to print. 50 Master Plan on Solid Waste Management in the Turkish Cypriot Community (October 2007); TCc Water Supply Master Plan (2004); Tourism Master Plan of the northern part of Cyprus (2000); 64 64 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area V. - The consultation process The Strategy mainly focuses on building partnerships with related key stakeholders. It also sets a framework for establishing ownership of environmental policies through and among responsible bodies. The Strategy has a horizontal approach based on the following four key objectives: • Improving the awareness & understanding of key decision makers in government • Improving awareness & understanding more widely (including the public) • Creating local networks (e.g. with local authorities, CSOs, Universities etc.) • Strengthening expertise (e.g. through education, awareness campaigns, competitions etc.) In order to achieve its objectives, it targets a number of groups – namely, Decision Makers in Government, Local Authorities, Industry & Commerce, CSOs, Education & Media, General Public and Donors. Each of these groups will have a key role and should be involved in the implementation of their responsibilities through the defined activities. Training, Workshops and Consultation Meetings held during the preparation of NWA LDS 09 October 2009: Traning on LEADER approach for municipalitities in NWA Mayors of Guzelyurt, Lefke and Lapta municipalities and General Secretary of Union Of Municipalities participated to the meeting, and a presentation on LEADER approach has been made to the participants. Totally 5 persons participated to the meeting. 05 November 2009: Consultation meetings with Kaymakams of Girne, Güzelyurt and İskele A consultation meeting for Leader concept and LDS process was organized with the participation of Central Kaymakam and Kaymakams of Girne, Guzelyurt, and İskele. A presentation on LEADER 65 65 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area approach and LDS preparation process for NWA and KA has been presented to the Kaymakams, and the process has been discussed with them. 13 November 2009: SWOT workshop on tourism and culture for NWA 37 representatives from the key stakeholders in the sector, from central organizations, municipalities, CSOs and private sector have participated into the workshop. During the workshop, two PPT presentation on LEADER approch and situation of the sector will be made by the RDST, and strenghts, weakness, opportunities and threats of the area in terms of the tourism and culture have been identified in small groups of stakeholders under the moderation of the RDST. 27 November 2009: SWOT workshop on environment and forestry for NWA 29 representatives from the key stakeholders in the sector, from central organizations, municipalities, CSOs and private sector have participated into the workshop. During the workshop, two PPT presentation on LEADER approch and situation of the sector will be made by the RDST, and strenghts, weakness, opportunities and threats of the area in terms of the environment and forestry have been identified in small groups of stakeholders under the moderation of the RDST. 12 December 2009: Thematic Ecotourism Seminar for NWA The seminar has been organized in collaboration with EU Infopoint and EDGE Project in Lefke, and 38 stakeholders have participated to the seminar. During the seminar, the concept and experiences of agro and eco-tourism has been discussed with the stakeholders. 18 December 2009: SWOT workshop on agriculture and fishery for NWA 32 representatives from the key stakeholders in the sector, from central organizations, municipalities, producer associtaions, CSOs and private sector have participated into the workshop. During the workshop, two PPT presentation on LEADER approch and situation of the sector will be made by the RDST, and strenghts, weakness, opportunities and threats of the area in terms of the agriculture and fishery have been identified in small groups of stakeholders under the moderation of the RDST. 24 March 2010: SWOT Presentation meeting in Lapta for NWA 40 representatives from the key stakeholders in the sector, from central organizations, municipalities, CSOs and private sector have participated into the meeting. In the meeting, results of SWOT analysis of the area has been presented to the participants, and a discussion on the presentation has been made with the stakeholders. Additionally, a LEADER experience from Italy has been presented to the participants by a short term expert of RDST. 14 May 2010: Tourism & Culture Focus Group Meeting A focus group meeting has been organized in order to identify the priorities and activities in tourism and culture sector of NWA, and 18 stakeholders participated to the focus group meeting. In the meeting, the proposed priorities and activities have been presented to the participant by the RDST, and the feedback of participants has been received. Additionally some experiences from the Italy have been presented to the participant by a short-term expert of RDST. 20 May 2010: Agriculture & Fishery Focus Group Meeting A focus group meeting has been organized in order to identify the priorities and activities in agriculture and fishery sector of NWA, and 20 stakeholders participated to the focus group meeting. In the meeting, the proposed priorities and activities have been presented to the participants by the RDST, and the feedback of participants has been received. 21 May 2010: Environment & Forestry Focus Group Meeting A focus group meeting has been organized in order to identify the priorities and activities in environment and forestry sector of NWA, and 14 stakeholders participated to the focus group meeting. In the meeting, the proposed priorities and activities have been presented to the participant by the RDST, and the feedback of participants has been received. 66 66 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Consultation process with TCc authorities The following central and local authorities have provided comments to the LDS Lefke Municipality on 16/09/2010 - Mehmet Zafer (Mayor), Haluk Giray Lapta Municipality on 16/09/2010- Fuat Namsoy (Mayor), Hasan Keleş, Tolga Alav Chamber of Commerce on 17/09/2010- Janel Burcan, Çiğdem Aksu Chamber of Industry on 17/09/ 2010- Mustafa Gündüz, Gizem Menteş Güzelyurt Municipality on 6/10/2010- Suleyman Akdag (Director) Head of Local Administration Department on 20/10/2010- Meriç Taydemir Central Kaymakam (Gursel Selengin), Girne Kaymakam (Gürkan Kara), Guzelyurt Kaymakam (Mentes Gunduz) on 20/10/2010 Department of Antiquities and Museums on 04/11/2010- Emine Pilli (Director), Elcin Kubilay (Archaeologist), Emine Sivri (Archaeologist), Mehmet Soforoglu (Archaeologist), Hasan Tekel (Archaeologist) Department of Town Planning on 4/11/2010- Hulya Davulcu (architect, Nurhan Aremek (town planner), Layik Topcan Mesutoglu (Deputy Director), Lynda Thorn (Consultant) YAGA on 4/11/10-Mehmet Yildirim (Deputy Director), Bengu Mindikoglu (Consultant) Department of Culture on 22/11/2010-Candaş Yolga (Deputy Director), Bedia Kale, Yusuf Örs Department of Telecommunication on 23/11/2010-Ali Ayral (Head of Transmission Department) Department of Tourism Planning Department on 23/11/2010-Turgut Muslu (Head of Department), Ylbay Geceyatmaz, Efsun Salel Department of Labor on 24/11/2010-Yusuf Önderol (Head of Department) Department of Tourism Promotion and Marketing on 24/11/2010 - Derviş Gezer (Head of Department), Sanel Tagmac State Planning Organization on 24/11/2010-Ali Korhan (Undersecretary) Department for Agriculture and Natural Resources on 25/11/2010 - Nazm Ergene (Undersecretary), Mustafa Alkaravl (Head of Geology and Mine Department), Guliz Kuset (Forestry Department), Ercan Akerzurumlu (Head of Agricultural Research Institute), Huseyin Ataben (Head of Veterinary Department), Huseyin Hurkal (Head of Animal Husbandry Department), Ersun Ulucam (Animal Husbandry Department), Ali Goksu (Head of Agriculture Department), Gonen Vurana (Agriculture Department ), Samiye Kasap (Rural Development Unit), Niyazi Nizam (Rural Development Unit ), Deniz Solyal (Rural Development Unit) Department of Environment protection on 30/11/2010- Behram Kamer (Head of Department), Hasibe Kusetogullari Department of Highways on 01/12/2010- Mustafa Demircioglu (Head of Department) Department of Social Services on 07/12/2010- Cansel Hdroğlu (Head of Department), Aydan Başkurt (Responsible) Department of Health Services on 08/12/2010- Dr. Hatice Faydal (Head of Department), Selma Ylmaç (Administrative Officer), Dr. Keziban Akyön (Head Doctor), Havva Arslan (Food Eng.), Hakan Emiroğlu (Environmental Eng.) 67 67 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Strategic meeting A final Strategic Meeting has been organized on 3 December 2010 in order to present the final version of the Local Development Strategy to the local stakeholders. A total of 47 people participated in the meeting. IN ANNEX 11 is the list of all local stakeholders that participated in the preparation of this Local Development Strategy . Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area ANNEXES Annex 1: NWA population Annex 2: NWA labour force Annex 3: NWA habitats Annex 4: NWA flora Annex 5: NWA fauna Annex 6: NWA birds Annex 7: NWA historical heritage Annex 8: NWA fishery shelters and boats Annex 9: Hotel frequentation of North Cyprus and NWA Annex 10: NWA festivals Annex 11: List of local stakeholders that participated in the consultation process of the Local Development Strategy. 68 68 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 1: NWA population Municipality and Villages Population Municipality and Villages Population 1. Lapta 5,965 2. Güzelyurt 13,334 * Karşyaka 2,206 * Mevlevi 376 * Çamlbel 1,058 * Yuvack 300 * Akdeniz 595 * Zümrütköy 969 * Alemdağ 97 * Serhatköy 588 * Geçitköy 206 * Şahinler 180 * Hisarköy 205 * Gayretköy 395 * Karpaşa 96 * Aydnköy 1,273 * Kayalar 198 * Akçay 1,085 * Klçaslan 220 * Kalkanl 1,545 * Koruçam 236 3. Lefke 7,854 * Kozan 461 * Taşpnar 231 * Özhan 90 * Çamlköy 259 * Sadrazamköy 215 * Yeşilrmak 429 * Tepebaş 805 * Gaziveren 996 * Doğanc 1,302 * Yeşilyurt * Bademliköy * Gemikonağ * Cengizköy * Yedidalga 70 69 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 2: NWA labour force POPULATION AND LABOR FORCE TOPLAM 1. NON-INSTITUTIONAL CIVIL POPULATION 2. POPULATION WITH THE MINIMUM AGE OF 15 AND OVER 3. SITUATION IN LABOR FORCE 3.1. Employed people 3.2. Unemployed 4. NOT INCLUDED TO LABOR FORCE 4.1. Don’t search for a job but are ready for a job 4.1.1. Don’t have the hope to find a job 4.1.2. Other 5. PARTICIPATION RATE ON LABOR FORCE (%) 6. RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT (%) 6.1. Rate of young population (%) MAN 1. NON-INSTITUTIONAL CIVIL POPULATION 2. POPULATION WITH THE MINIMUM AGE OF 15 AND OVER 3. SITUATION IN LABOR FORCE 3.1. Employed people 3.2. Unemployed 4. NOT INCLUDED TO LABOR FORCE 4.1. Don’t search for a job but are ready for a job 4.1.1. Don’t have the hope to find a job 4.1.2. Other 5. PARTICIPATION RATE ON LABOR FORCE (%) 6. RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT (%) 6.1. Rate of young population (%) WOMAN 1. NON-INSTITUTIONAL CIVIL POPULATION 2. POPULATION WITH THE MINIMUM AGE OF 15 AND OVER 3. SITUATION IN LABOR FORCE 3.1. Employed people 3.2. Unemployed 4. NOT INCLUDED TO LABOR FORCE 4.1. Don’t search for a job but are ready for a job 4.1.1. Don’t have the hope to find a job 4.1.2. Other 5. PARTICIPATION RATE ON LABOR FORCE (%) 6. RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT (%) 6.1. Rate of young population (%) TOTAL LEFKOŞA GAZİMAĞUSA GİRNE GÜZELYURT İSKELE 250 373 201 796 83 983 67 373 61 279 49 353 57 276 46 629 26 979 22 170 20 855 16 270 101 104 91 223 9 881 100 691 14 130 2 604 11 332 50.1 9.8 24.7 35 159 32 567 2 592 32 214 3 208 344 2 838 52.2 7.4 14.9 24 103 21 674 2 428 25 251 5 736 897 4 752 48.8 10.1 30.4 24 446 21 896 2 550 22 183 1 492 227 1 265 52.4 10.4 22.7 10 653 9 154 1 500 11 516 1 852 442 1 395 48.1 14.1 43.7 6 744 5 932 812 9 527 1 843 694 1 082 41.4 12.0 28.8 131 054 106 138 44 242 35 669 31 893 25 772 30 567 25 059 13 793 11 381 10 559 8 257 66 521 61 496 5 025 39 617 4 756 1 079 3 539 62.7 7.6 24.0 22 723 21 241 1 482 12 946 896 126 770 63.7 6.5 16.3 15 698 14 589 1 108 10 075 1 946 380 1 510 60.9 7.1 29.9 16 206 15 083 1 123 8 853 618 100 518 64.7 6.9 18.7 6 885 6 109 775 4 496 696 213 468 602.5 11.3 49.2 5 010 4 474 535 3 248 599 260 272 60.7 10.7 25.4 119 320 95 658 39 742 31 704 29 386 23 581 26 710 21 571 13 186 10 789 10 296 8 013 34 584 29 727 4 857 61 074 9 374 1 525 7 793 36.2 14.0 25.8 12 435 11 326 1 110 19 268 2 312 219 2 068 39.2 8.9 12.7 8 405 7 085 1 320 15 176 3 789 517 3 242 35.6 15.7 31.1 8 240 6 813 1 427 13 330 874 127 747 38.2 17.3 29.2 3 769 3 045 724 7 020 1 156 229 927 34.9 19.2 37.2 1 734 1 458 276 6 279 1 244 433 810 21.6 15.9 36.5 71 Code_Name 1120 Posidonia beds 1170 Reefs 1240 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts with endemic Limonium spp. 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes 2240 Brachypodietalia dune grasslands with annuals 2250 Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. 2260 Cisto-Lavendulatalia dune sclerophyllous scrubs 5210 Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp. 5330 Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub 5420 Sarcopterium spinosum phryganas 6220 Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea 6420 Mediterranean tall humid herb grasslands of the Molinio-Holoschoenion 8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 9290 Cupressus forests (Acero-Cupression) 9320 Olea and Ceratonia forests 9540 Mediterranean pine forests with endemic Mesogean pines B2 Coastal shingle Importance HD I* HD I HD I HD I HD I HD I* HD I HD I HD I HD I HD I* HD I HD I HD I HD I HD I EUNIS 21 14 1 8 94 215 24 76 36 1 3 43 28 379 4 No localities Area in ha 893.35 278.68 128.25 257.32 0.23 49.18 1241.47 2316.16 150.16 906.63 193.32 4.05 1.17 206.45 129.31 3136.52 2.93 % of site 18.87 5.88 0.79 1.59 0.00 0.30 7.67 14.31 0.93 5.6 1.19 0.03 0.01 1.28 0.80 19.37 0.02 72 C2 Rock cliffs, ledges and shores, including the supralittoral EUNIS 2 9.45 0.06 E2.6 Agriculturally-improved, re-seeded and heavily fertilised grassland, including 19 sports fields and grass lawns EUNIS 3 83.41 0.52 20 F5 Maquis, arborescent matorral and thermo-Mediterranean brushes EUNIS 12 106.18 0.66 21 F5.2 Maquis EUNIS 103 553.63 3.42 22 F6.2 Eastern garrigues EUNIS 73 672.74 4.16 23 FB.3 Shrub plantations for ornamental purposes or for fruit, other than vineyards EUNIS 2 79.74 0.49 24 I1 Arable land and market gardens EUNIS 39 5645.39 34.88 25 J1 Buildings of cities, towns and villages EUNIS 1 17.19 0.11 26 J2 Low density buildings, I2 Cultivated areas of gardens and parks EUNIS 12 27.09 0.17 27 J3 Extractive industrial sites EUNIS 1 3.02 0.02 28 J4 Transport networks and other constructed hard-surfaced areas EUNIS 157 221.92 1.37 29 J6 Waste deposits EUNIS 30 42.52 0.26 Code Name: Included in Annex I of Directive 92/43/EEC. Importance: HD I - included in Annex I, HD I* - priority habitat of Annex I. No localities: States the number of different localities where each habitat type occurred. % of site: the percentage of the site covered by the habitat. % of marine habitats was calculated from the total marine area 18 No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Annex 3: NWA habitats Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 70 NI NI NI NI NI NI NI NI NI NI Ferulago cypria (no local name) Helianthemum obtusifolium (Kbrs Güneşgülü) Hypericum repens (no local name) Limonium albidum subsp. Cyprium (no local name) Odontites cypria (Kbrs Odontitesi) Onobrychis venosa (Damarl Korunga) Onopordum cyprium (Eşek Dikeni) Onosma caespitosum (no local name) Onosma fruticosum (no local name) Ornithogalum pedicellare (Kbrs Tükürük Out) NI NI Sedum lampusae (Lapta Damkoruğu) Senecio glaucus ssp. cypria Tulipa cypria (Kbrs Lalesi) B A A A B B B A B B B B B B B B B HD II B NI North-West B Area Development Strategy for the NI Rosularia pallidiflora (Soluk Kbrs Göbek Otu) Teucrium micropodioides (Küme Kurtluca) Local NI Pimpinella cypria (Kbrs Pimipinellas) HD II* NI Crocus veneris (Kbrs Safran) Ophrys kotschyi (Kbrs Ofrisi) NI Ballota integrifolia (Dikenli Köpek Out) 10 138 1 3 3 3 8 3 59 41 82 56 13 5 2 9 1 6 1 5 6 20 No of localities rare common very rare very rare very rare very rare rare very rare common common common common rare rare very rare rare very rare rare very rare rare rare rare Population Note: HD II - included in Annex II, HD II* - priority species of Annex II, HD IV - included in Annex IV, HD V - included in Annex V, NI – national important species. Endemism: A: Local endemic, B: Endemic to Cyprus, No localities: Set number of localities with the species occurrence 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 B NI B B NI NI Endemism Importance Astragalus cyprius (Kbrs Geveni) Asperula cypria (Kbrs İnceciçeği) 2 3 Anthemis tricolour (no local name) Name 1 No Annex 4: NWA flora Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 73 71 72 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 5: NWA fauna (List of Annex II faunistic species from the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) previously recorded within the boundaries of the Akdeniz SEPA) No localitie s Population No Name Zoologica l group Importan ce 1 Monachus monachus M HD II* 2 Caretta caretta R HD II* 5 6-40 3 Chelonia mydas R HD II* 5 4-29 4 Rousettus aegiptiacus M HD II Common 5 Cyrtopodion kotschyi fitzingeri R ESS Common 6 Laudakia stellio cypriaca R ESS Common 7 Ophisops elegans schlueteri R ESS Common 8 Dolicophis jugularis cypriacus R ESS Common 9 Macrovipera lebetina lebetina R ESS Common Extremely rare (*) Denotes that the species is a priority species under the terms of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) ESS= Endemic Sub Species(MTCP reports 1993-2008, EPD Reports, Benda et al 2007, Haigh 2004, Gucu 2007). 75 73 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 6: NWA birds (List of Annex I species from the EC Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) previously recorded within the Akdeniz SEPA) No Name Zoological Group EU Status 1 Larus audounii B BD I rb (SPEC-1) 2 Vanellus spinosus B BD I Mb 3 Milvus migrans B BD I PM (SPEC-3) 4 Ciconia nigra B BD I Pm 5 Hieraaetus fasciatus B BD I Rb 6 Ficedula albicollis B BD I PM (SPEC-4) 7 Grus grus B BD I PM (SPEC-3) 8 Calonectris diomeda B BD I PM (SPEC-2) 9 Emberiza caesia B BD I MB, PM 10 Sylvia melanothorax B BD I RB, MB (SPEC-2) 11 Oenanthe cypriaca B BD I MB (SPEC-2) 12 Himantopus himantopus B BD I Mb 13 Falco eleonorae B BD I MB, pm (SPEC-2) 14 Plegadis falcinellus B BD I PM 15 Pluvialis apricaria B BD I WV 16 Gallinago gallinago B BD I pm (SPEC-2) 17 Egretta alba B BD I pm, wv 18 Sterna nilotica B BD I PM 19 Circus cyaneus B BD I pm, wv (SPEC-3) 20 Pernis apivorus B BD I PM (SPEC-4) 21 Alcedo atthis B BD I pm, wv (SPEC-3) 22 Lanius minor B BD I PM (SPEC-2) 23 Falco naumani B BD I PM, FB (SPEC-1) 24 Egretta garzetta B BD I PM, wv 25 Buteo rufinus B BD I rb, pm, wv 26 Circus aeruginosus B BD I PM, wv 27 Lanius nubicus B BD I MB, pm (SPEC-2) 28 Circus pygargus B BD I PM (SPEC-4) 29 Nycticorax nycticorax B BD I PM 76 74 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area No Name Zoological EU Status 30 Caprimulgus europaeus B BD I PM, MB (SPEC-2) 31 Emberiza hortulana B BD I PM 32 Pandion haliaetus B BD I pm (SPEC-3) 33 Circus macrourus B BD I PM (SPEC-3) 34 Falco peregrinus B BD I rb, pm, wv (SPEC-3) 35 Ardea purpurea B BD I PM 36 Lanius collurio B BD I PM, OB (SPEC-3) 37 Falco vespertinus B BD I PM (SPEC-3) 38 Coracias garrulus B BD I PM, MB (SPEC-2) 39 Sylvia rueppelli B BD I PM 40 Falco cherrug B BD I Pm 41 Ficedula semitorquata B BD I Pm B BD I RB B BD I PM, MB (SPEC-3) 42 43 Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii Calandrella brachydactyla 44 Larus genei B BD I PM, wv 45 Ardeola ralloides B BD I PM 46 Burhinus oedicnemus B BD I PM, WV, RB (SPEC-3) 47 Anthus campestris B BD I PM (SPEC-3) 48 Bucanetes githagineus B BD I Pm 49 Pelecanus onocrotalus B BD I Pm 50 Ciconia ciconia B BD I Pm 51 Lullula arborea B BD I WV, RB ?? (SPEC-2) Notes: RB = Resident Breeder, PM = Passage Migrant, MB = Migrant Breeder, OB = Occasional Breeder, WV = Winter Visitor, FB = Former Breeder. Upper case letters signify commonly occurring species where as lower case letters indicate rarely occurring species. 77 75 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 7: NWA historical heritage Name Agioi Constantinos (Church and necropolis) Kayalar Carob Storage Yard Agios Georgios (Church) Panagia (Chapel) Ayia Irini (Churh-Mosque) Panagia Krinotissa (Chapel) Vasilya Mosque Agia Anastasia (Church) Agios Theodoros (Church) Apostolos Loukas (Church) Agios Minas (Church) Timios Prodromos Agia Paraskevi (Church) Agia Evdokia (Chapel) Panagia Airkotissa (Chapel) Agia Varvara (Chapel) Agia Marina (Chapel) Archangelos (Chapel) Agios Andronikos (Chapel) Haydarpasha Mosque Seyit Mehmet Agha Mosque Lambousa site area Pigades Temple 29 Old Houses Old Police Station Water canals and water mill Front wall of base floor Old two school rooms and public house Hall Hotel and shops Place Sadrazamköy Kayalar Kayalar Korucam Akdeniz Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Camlibel Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke A building on which there is the British Royal emblem School Akentou Church Soli Archeological site Vouni Palace Petra Tou Limnidi Toumba Tou Skorou Archeological site Karşiyaka-Evriman (Three Streams) Karsiyaka-Karaogullar Karsiyaka Daggüllü Karşyaka Koca Tarla Karsiyaka-Hüdaverdiler Karsiyaka-Gumusalan Karsiyaka Kayalar Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Yesilirmak (Lefke) Yesilirmak (Lefke) Guzelyurt/Morphou Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Kayalar 78 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 76 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 7: NWA historical heritage Name Agioi Constantinos (Church and necropolis) Kayalar Carob Storage Yard Agios Georgios (Church) Panagia (Chapel) Ayia Irini (Churh-Mosque) Panagia Krinotissa (Chapel) Vasilya Mosque Agia Anastasia (Church) Agios Theodoros (Church) Apostolos Loukas (Church) Agios Minas (Church) Timios Prodromos Agia Paraskevi (Church) Agia Evdokia (Chapel) Panagia Airkotissa (Chapel) Agia Varvara (Chapel) Agia Marina (Chapel) Archangelos (Chapel) Agios Andronikos (Chapel) Haydarpasha Mosque Seyit Mehmet Agha Mosque Lambousa site area Pigades Temple 29 Old Houses Old Police Station Water canals and water mill Front wall of base floor Old two school rooms and public house Hall Hotel and shops Place Sadrazamköy Kayalar Kayalar Korucam Akdeniz Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Camlibel Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke A building on which there is the British Royal emblem School Akentou Church Soli Archeological site Vouni Palace Petra Tou Limnidi Toumba Tou Skorou Archeological site Karşiyaka-Evriman (Three Streams) Karsiyaka-Karaogullar Karsiyaka Daggüllü Karşyaka Koca Tarla Karsiyaka-Hüdaverdiler Karsiyaka-Gumusalan Karsiyaka Kayalar Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Yesilirmak (Lefke) Yesilirmak (Lefke) Guzelyurt/Morphou Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Karşyaka Kayalar 78 77 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Name Vrysi - Tou Barva Tepebasi Ambelia Tepebasi Kypous Hisarköy Mersinia Karpaşa Hadji Pantelis Korucam Kornos Lapta Alonia ton Plakon (E) Lapta Alonia ton Plakon (W) Lapta Arodaphrioudia Lapta Phloudia Lapta Pourin Lapta Sphinarin Lapta Vasiliates Panayia Kathari Ayia Marina Sadrazamköy Galales Motidhes Village Camlibel Kafkalla Camlibel Kastrovounos Kayalar Palialona Karsiyaka Evrima cemetery Karsiyaka Harvest Field (Harman Tarlas) Karsiyaka Loukkas Trachonas cemetery Karsiyaka Myliades cemetery Karsiyaka Pyrgos Triantaphylia Karsiyaka Sina Monastry Karsiyaka Stypia Karsiyaka Vavilas Chiliomodousa Guzelyurt-Omerli Early Bronz Age Mine Processing Place Osman Pasha cemetery Lefke Middle Mosque Lefke Lower Mosque Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque Place Lapta-Tinaztepe Tepebasi Tepebasi Hisarköy Karpaşa Korucam Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Lapta Kozanköy Kozanköy Sadrazamkoy Camlibel Camlibel Kayalar Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Karsiyaka Lefke Lefke Lefke Lefke Guzelyurt-Kalkanli Kapouti (The late bronze and medieval age antiquity area) Mevlevi Calcolitique settlement and necropole area Caliduzu necropole area Early-Late Bronze age antiquity area Ayia Petra settlement place Phila Vasiliko-Kafkalka Necropole area Sakarya Quarter Natural assets Aqueducts, water towel, and water mill Historical fountain Royal cemetery Soli Necropole area One floored Ottoman building and train station Kalkanli, Guzelyurt Mevlevi, Guzelyurt Mevlevi, Guzelyurt Ozhan, Lapta Serhatkoy, Guzelyurt Serhatkoy, Guzelyurt Lapta Baspinar, Lapta Tepebasi Akdeniz Lefke Guzelyurt 79 Grand Total Güzelyurt Girne Regions 55 42 2 Kayalar Gemikonağ 11 Lapta Fishery Shelters No. Of Registered Commercial Fishery Boats Annex 8: NWA fishery shelters and boat 55 42 2 18 10 2 6 B A 11 Amautor Boats Commercial Fishery Boats Controled Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 73 52 4 17 A+B Total LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 78 Guzelyurt Lefke Lapta 4* 3* 2* 1* Bungalow Non classified Total 2* 1* Holiday Vil. Class 1 7 10 24 1 6 10 23 1 1 1 1 1 Number 2008 1 5 2006 1 5 Hotel frequentation in the NWA 1 11 24 1 1 2009 1 3 1 1 6 38 293 1963 33 314 138 42 38 233 22 318 138 42 38 109 22 277 Bed capacity 2006 2008 2009 325 224 224 998 708 708 Hotel frequentation in north Cyprus Number of clients Night spent 2008 2009 2008 2009 478 392 474 600 1 565 539 1 653 566 Annex 9: Hotel frequentation of North Cyprus and NWA 7389 19158 63 2350 2271 13824 233 236 206 2216 3544 12143 171 413 58 1431 Number of clients 2006 2008 2009 2686 1741 2459 6670 7390 4651 Nb of bed nights per tourist 2008 2009 3,3 3,4 36874 97736 272 12393 2006 14013 34184 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 25079 68784 645 379 505 7048 Night spent 2008 7476 28676 20261 60950 458 598 145 7977 2009 11122 21445 4.99 5.1 4.32 5.27 81 11.04 4.98 2.8 1.6 2.5 3.2 2.7 1.4 5.72 5.01 2.5 5.6 Average night per tourist 2006 2008 2009 5.22 4.3 4.5 5.13 3.9 4.6 79 4) “Akça Köyü Art and Culture Festival” - Financed by the Municipality, GUSAD (Güzelyurt Art Society) and Government’s Culture Department - Made in AKM and the Sport Center - Duration: 1 week – 10 days - Total number of participants: around 4000 - Participants: local visitors, mostly from the area - Actually made in May 3) “GUSAD’s Folklore Culture Festival” - Since 2003 - Generally in November or December - Duration: 15 days - Total number of participants: around 5000 - Most of the participants are from the area but there are many coming from other regions - Total Budget: 100 000 TL - Financed by the municipality and the sponsors - Activities: theaters/plays (local/from Turkey), folklore performances, reading tales/stories, cooking competition 2) “Theater Days” 82 - The First one in 1978 (in 2009 the 32nd festival from the 26 June till the 12 July) - Participants: 4000 per day - Only 1% of tourists - Budget: 200 000TL - Financed by the Municipality, sponsors and public institutions - Activities: cortege walk in the opening with animators and illusionists, concerts, voice contest, beauty contest “International Peace Beauty Contest”, fiesta for kids (food stands, animations, competitions, games), discount days in the central shopping place, best shopwindow (display) contest , sportive activities; football, backgammon and dart, folklore and dance performances, lottery, local handicrafts and food stands, firework display 1/ Orange Festival GUZELYURT Annex 10: Festivals in NWA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 80 - End of March – Beginning of April (This year 20-21 March) - Frst one was organized in 2005. This is the 6th year - 2000-3000 people visiting - local (from everywhere in North Cyprus) and foreign tourists - The usual budget is about 8-9000 TL. This year hey plan to organize a concert during the Festival. (than the budget will be ≈ 18 000TL) but they asked contribution from Lapta municipality (which is not yet approved). - Activities; Folklore, bicycle race, pillow run (traditional), local handicrafts and food stands. 7) Tulip festival of Tepebaş LAPTA - Tradition which has stopped after 1974 - Planned to be organized in this year similarly to the original one - Mostly like a fair ; with stands and also local products stands and a beauty contest 6) Strawberry Festival of Yeşilrmak 83 - Organized together with European University of Lefke but financed only by the Municipality - Since 2006 (the 4th has been organized last year) - In November, during 1 week - Around 6-700 people are participating - Local participants from every districts of TRNC - The total budget is approximately 30 000 TL - Content of the program: classical music concerts are given in the “Cultural Centre of Atatürk” (AKM) and exhibition of paintings and photos in the “EUL exhibition center” 5) International Music and Culture Festival LEFKE - Made in June - In the village - Local visitors, mostly from the area - Activities: Theater, Music, Folklore Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area 81 - Organized by the Lapta Municipality - Since 2008 (this year it will be the third) - In June, during 2 days - Around 10 000 people in total are participating - Local participants from Lapta and from every regions of TRNC - The total budget is 80 000 TL - Content of the program: Cortege walk, Stands of local foods (halloumi, molasses, halloumi and olive breads, kleftico..etc.) and handicrafts (local handicrafts, other special handicrafts of Cyprus, pottery, wickerwork...etc.), An ancient Cyprus Home reflecting the cypriot culture has been designed (with an old bed, original old clothes, and some original hand tools, instruments), Dance performances (folklore and modern dance), concert (pop music), Sportive activities (biking, jet-ski, canoe, swimming, spearfishing, darts and a walk in the nature). 8) Tourism festival of Lapta Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 82 83 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Annex 11: List of local stakeholders that participated in the consultation process of the Local Development Strategy Name Surname Institution Abdamazak Arslan Restaurant Abdullah Aktoprak Agriculture Department Abdullah Cangil Güzelyurt C.T.C.P.U Adgüzel Akdeniz ÇAM-SEV Ahmet Açksöz Buluç Dairy Products Ahmet Güral Ersun TEP-DER Ahmet Saldam Saldam Ltd. Ahmet Tayyareci Municipality of Lapta Aktürk Planc Agriculture Department Aldoğan Eyüpoğlu KEMA Foundation Alev İzdağ Kayder Representative Ali Arensavaş KEMA Foundation Arkn ENGÜNEY Güzelyurt Agr. Department Pomegranate Dep. Arzu Çağn Edge Project Ata Baler Ayşe Dönmezer Çamlköy Tepebaş / Head of Culture, Art and Nature Conservation Ass. YAGA (CTIDA) Ayşe Ökeoy State Planning Organization Ayşen TÜRKMEN LEFKE European University Bahadr Mahmutoğlu Cyp. Tur. Chamber of Artisans and Shopkeepers Bengü Mndkoğlu YAGA (CTIDA) Berna Kemal Altun Güzelyurt Agriculture Department Betül Atasayan EUCC Burcu Barn EUCC Can CONKBAYIR Forestry Department Cemal Redif Cypruvex Cemal Kaş Kalkanl Eco - tourism Ass. Cemal Sofda Producer Cemal Yorulmaz Restaurant Vouni King Cemre Erel YAGA (CTIDA) Cengiz TABAK ELYE-FOOD Christian Harel Crop Husbandry Team Damla Boğaç Deniz Solyal Edge Project Ministry of Agriculture Dilek Bahçvan Beekeeping Dr. Orhan Aydeniz KEMA Foundation Ayhan BIÇAKLI 85 84 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Emin Bahçvan Beekeeping Emine Sivri Museum of Archeology and Nature Engiz Portakaloğlu CMC Golf Ercan POYRAZ Forestry Department Ergun Taşkn Lefke Gardens Hotel operator Erkut Uluçam Ersen Ekici Ministry of Agriculture Teacher Ertan Adakan C.T.C.P.U Coop. Ertan ADATAŞ C.T.Citrus Producers Union Frat YORAN Fuat Namsoy ÇAM-SEV Municipality of Lapta Gamze Kandinç YAGA (CTIDA) Gülcan Yalnca Natura 2000 Project Güliz KUSET Forestry Department Güner NURİ ÇAM-SEV Gürkan Kara Halil ÇORBA Girne District Office Beekeepers Union Hasan ÇUVALCIOĞLU Güzelyurt Agr. Department Pomegranate Dep. Hasan İlkay C.M.C Golf Club Hasan Karltaş Hasan Öksüz CTTGA (Cyp. Turk. Turist Guides Union) Hasan Altan Öksüz Marketing Ltd. Hasan Özçelik State Planning Organization Hülya DAVULCU Town Planning Department Hüseyin HANÇERLİOĞLU Forestry Department Hüseyin Kozal Cypruvex Hüsnü Rüstemoğlu Beekeeper İlhami Tozlu Crop Husbandry Team İsmet ÇAKIR Fisherman Kamil Gilanloğlu Restaurant operator Kemal ÇOLAK Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Kemal Kayan Kemal KAYAN Municipality of Güzelyurt Municipality of Güzelyurt Mahmut Özçnar Municipality of Güzelyurt Mazlum Kortaş Mehmet Bicen SPO Doğanc Potatoe Growers Union Mehmet Gökçebağ Mehmet KUTLAR NEDA Forestry Department Mehmet Söföroğlu Mehmet Zafer Güzelyurt Archeology and Nature Museum Municipality of Lefke 86 85 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Menteş Gündüz Güzelyurt District Office Menteş GÜNDÜZ Güzelyurt District Officer Metin Dolu CTTGA (Cyp. Turk. Turist Guides Union) Murat ARSLAN Municipality of Lapta Mustafa Cemal Mustafa Kavurma Mount. Spor Ass. Farmer Mustafa KÜÇÜKBEKİR Güzelyurt Agr. Department Pomegranate Dep Nevter Zafer Cömert Nilden Bektaş EMU Faculty of Architecture Niyazi Nizam KTÇMO- Chamber of Environmental Enginneers Ministry of Agriculture Nurhan ARAMEK Town Planning Department Nursel Ekici Producer- Oryat Olgun Emirzade CMC Golf Osman Serin Gaziveren Osman TUĞRUL KEMA Oytun ÖZBİLGİLİ ÇAM-SEV Ozan Serdaroğlu Lefke European University Ömer Balkç Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Ömür Akyüz Forestry Department Özdemiz ŞAKACI Orman Dairesi Özgür Sirkeciler Özüm SALMAN Pembe Kanatl Forestry Department Municipality of Lapta Tourism Planning Department Prof. Dr. Isk KORAY KIDAV Cyprus Sea Researchs Foundation Ramadan Gilanloğlu Baker Salih KARAHGİL Forestry Department Sami Dayoğlu Güzelyur- Lefke Nar. Ür.Birliği Samiye Kasap Ministry of Agriculture Selçuk Benter Selçuk ÜNGÜDER NEDA N.C.Citrus Producers Union Senem Aktuğ Chamber of Environmental Enginneers Servet Tahsin ÇOBAN Municipality of Güzelyurt Seyfi Tünelci Muhtar of Çamlbel Sinal Akgürcü Copper Processor Süleyman Aldağ Municipality of Güzelyurt Şanel Tağmaç Şener OTAĞ Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Environmental Prot. Department Tahsin Tolga Alav Tamer DAYIOĞLU Municipality of Lapta Lefke Environment and Promotion Ass. 87 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH WEST AREA 86 Local Development Strategy for the North-West Area Tanyel Oktar Eu Funded Project Tijen Apakgün Tunç BEYİT KITOB (CTHU) Animal Husbandry Department Ülker Çiftçioğlu Animal Husbandry Department Ümit Erener Restaurant Ylbay Direkci Kalkanl Eco tourism Ass. Ylbay Geceyatmaz Tourism Planning Department Yldray Uluşan Farmer 88 Preparation of this Local Development Strategy has been supported by Rural Development Support Team that is implemented by the experts of consortium of Agriconsulting Europe SA (AESA) Belgium, Agrin Co. Ltd., (Turkey) and ASP(France)