The project entitled "Network of Beautiful Villages of Cyprus", concerns the continuation of an inter-territorial cooperation between the four Local Action Groups (LAGs) of Cyprus that took place in the programming period 2007-2013, with the main aim of exploiting and promoting the special characteristics of the areas that have been included in the Network, as well as those that will be included in this programming period.
This cooperation seeks to identify the advantages created by the nature of these regions and to highlight these advantages as leverage for sustainable development. At the same time, the aim of cooperation is to identify the disadvantages of these areas, so that common tools can be put in place to address them. The ultimate objective of the action is to promote the economic, social and environmental sustainability of disadvantaged areas, which are lagging behind in tourism development – the form of mass tourism – and to make them attractive places to live and work.
The project involves the approved Local Action Groups (LAGs) that implement Local Leader Programmes in their areas of intervention. The LAGs comprise the Larnaca and Famagusta District Development Agency, Limassol Development Company Ltd, the Paphos Development Agency Aphrodite Ltd and the Troodos Development Company.
The members of the Cyprus Network of Beautiful Villages are the Local Administration Authorities. The Municipalities of Athienou and Lefkara and the Communities of Choirokoitia, Tochni, Kalavasos, Agios Theodoros, Kato Drys and Skarinou participate in Larnaca-Famagusta LAG. Fini, Agios Georgios, Anogyra, Lania, Limnatis, Omodos, Prastio Avdimou and Sylikou Communities participate in the Limassol District LAG. The Communities of Amargeti, Anarita, Kathikas, Kallepia, Kelokedara, Pano Panagia, Salamiou and Houlou participate in the LAG Paphos Aphrodite Ltd. Finally, the Communities of Agios Therapon, Agros, Amiantos, Arsos, Askas, Kakopetria, Kalopanayiotis and Pedoulas participate in the LAG of Troodos.