Soft tourism development projects are proposed for the area of the former Amiantos (asbestos) mine. To total cost of such could be around €160 million, according to the study for the creation of the Activity and Leisure Park, Eco-Museum "Dasoessa", the aim being to revive the area, utilize its rich building stock and the pave the way for the emergence of a cultural and entertainment center for the Troodos communities. As Ploutarchos Pantelidis, an Officer at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, told "Entrpreneurial Limassol", the study commissioned by the Deputy Ministry has been completed.
As Mr. Pantelidis mentioned to us, the researchers recommend the creation of Experiential Workshops for traditional professions and traditional products, museum and exhibition spaces, a Cultural Center, a housing unit for crafts and artists, a space for open-air events, and even a People's Market. Restaurants and taverns, the renovation of houses for rent, a small hotel and an Education and Conference Center for 500 people also make part of what is envisioned, in addition to facilities for bird watching, viewing points, nature trails, footpaths, cycle paths and a Sports Centre, and the renovation of the existing church.
For the implementation of each of the proposals, there will be consultation with the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Finance. Given the high overall cost, one possibility is for implementation to be pursued in stages, while another, or additional, possibility is for the cost to be partly covered by interested private sector investors. Some projects will be proposed for funding through European Programs.
The Forestry Department continues the restoration of the natural environment in the area, which is implemented on an area of 2 to 3 hectares per year, with an annual budget of €350.000, according to the Regional Forestry Department Officer, Loizos Loizou. According to him, more than 50% of the landscape has been restored and considering the rate of progress, and the human resources available to the Department, the project will be completed between 2040 and 2045. For this purpose, local plants are used and since 1996, when the restoration began, the method used has turned out to be successful, since the area under development has become greener, Mr. Loizou said.
