Nature    
1. Natural Values    

50% of Koukia is of high ecological and archeological importance and is protected under the jurisdiction of Cyprus. Two National Parks are within the territory of the Community: the Ranti National Forest Park and the Rock of Afrodite National Forest Park. The parks are rich in Cyprus non-endemic and endemic flora and fauna species that are protected by international conventions. The sea bed is covered by Posidonia oceanica medows, a Med-species protected by Barcellona Convention. Kouklia is a quiet place with no traffic or crowds.

 

 
     
     
2. Information & Education    

The area of Kouklia is a “museum” of natural and cultural heritage. Information is included in the website of Kouklia Community (www.kouklia.org.cy), Cyprus Tourism Organisation www.visitcyprus.com and others. The area is an important archaeological site (the Birth place of Aphrodite (Venus) and an important medieval and Byzantine site. The archaeological museum in Kouklia, within the archaeological site provides the visitors with information on the history of the area and information on the natural environment.

  

The Community Council has recently (January 2011) established an office within the premises of the Council offices, dedicated to facilitate the citizens in their everyday contact with the administration. The office provides also with information on environmental and cultural issues. 
     
     
3. Contact with Nature    

The accessibility of natural areas is a very important issue. Kouklia plans and facilitate the access of visitors to the natural and cultural sites by constructing trails, paths for disabled people, and kiosks with benches. The effort is to keep the visitors pressure at low levels, so the infrastructure is “mild” and adapted to the environmental characteristics.

  

The effort is to keep the visitors pressure at low levels, so the infrastructure is “mild” and adapted to the environmental characteristics.    
     
     
4. Green Policies    

The National Parks are protected by National Laws of Cyprus. Coastal Zone is also protected (a width of 100 meters from the coastline) as a buffer zone and no structures are allowed. The area is also protected by the Law of the Archaeological Department, due to its archaeological significance and this provides with very strict development control. Community Council promotes, encourages and supports the implementation of green practices in all aspects of activities in the area: from tourism to agriculture.

 

For example: recently, the Community Council organised a campaign to promote composting both in homes and in agriculture. The Council purchased composters and distributed them to specific spots so they can be used experimentally by the citizens. This action was coupled with a dedicated workshop on good composting practices.

     
     
5. Open Landscapes    

All archaeological sites and the National Forest Parks are strictly protected by National Laws: no development is allowed. So Kouklia has abundance of open landscapes that will be kept open, since they are protected from the rapid tourism development that runs inland, at Kouklia area.