The aim of the collaboration was the study and detection of microplastics on shores as well as providing information and awareness with regards to the treatment of marine pollution from plastics.
Lidl Cyprus’ cooperation with AKTI began in the autumn of 2021, with the aim of taking action against plastic pollution, which is one of the biggest threats to coastal and marine ecosystems.
Within the framework of the cooperation, AKTI, funded by Lidl Cyprus, informed school students about the problems of marine plastic pollution, about microplastics that threaten our health as well as about the ways in which they can react as active citizens.
A total of 1560 students throughout Cyprus participated in the program.
At the same time, AKTI’s scientific team carried out the first microplastics detection study in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Cyprus, at four locations:
- Olympia Coast in Limassol
- Fig tree Bay in Protaras
- Lara in Akamas and
- at the mouth of the Liopetri river in Famagusta
In combination with the research, meetings were also held with fishermen in order to inform them about ‘ghost nets’ and to address the problem through joint actions.
After the informational sessions in schools and the conclusion of the research, a coordinated coastal clean-up was organised at Ayios Georgios in Pegeia with the help of different volunteer groups. The clean-up also took place underwater through the help of volunteers from the CyDive organisation and the Municipality of Pegeia. Participants in the event were welcomed by the Mayor of Pegeia, Marinos Lambrou, who welcomed the effort and wished for less pollution of the seas and coasts once the specific campaign was completed.
