Akamas landowners will be able to apply for financial support of up to €6,600 a year under Measure 1 from October 1 to November 15, 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said the electronic platform www.support-akamas.com will be available during the application period for both individuals and legal entities that own eligible land in the Akamas area.
Support for maintaining natural land
Measure 1 provides area-based financial support to landowners who maintain their plots in their existing natural state. The scheme forms part of the compensatory measures adopted alongside the approval of the Akamas Local Plan.
The measure aims to support landowners while contributing to the protection of the landscape, biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem services in the area.
The total budget for the measure is €25 million for 2024–2028, funded through national resources. The scheme will be reviewed after this period based on its performance and the benefits of additional socioeconomic measures introduced for the area.
Who is eligible?
The measure is open to individuals and legal entities that own private land within the boundaries of the Akamas Local Plan. Eligible plots must fall within protected planning zones, as well as agricultural and livestock zones, covering approximately 93,460 decares in total.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and comply with conditions requiring their land to remain in its existing natural state.
Where a plot is already used for agricultural activity, that activity can continue. If a plot is inactive, its natural vegetation must be maintained, without interventions that would alter the landscape.
Landowners cannot fence their plots or carry out interventions that would change their natural condition. Properties with illegal developments or activities are excluded from the subsidy.
How much is the support?
The annual payment is set at €600 per hectare, or €60 per decare, taking into account agricultural land rental values in the area and the environmental contribution of the property.
The maximum annual payment per beneficiary is €6,600.
Plots with existing agricultural activity can continue to participate in the area-based schemes administered by the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO) under the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan. Existing users will therefore not need to change their farming practices.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted electronically by the landowner through www.support-akamas.com.
The ministry said the platform is designed as a simple and direct system, allowing applications to be submitted in four clicks while automatically verifying ownership status.
Applicants must have a verified CY Login account, formerly known as Ariadne.
The application period runs from October 1, 2026, to November 15, 2026. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
For further information, applicants can contact the support line on 22408952 or email [email protected].
Payments under Measure 1 will be administered by the Akamas Coordination Office.
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