Cyprus PA

As part of the "Can't You SEA?" Youth Exchange, each participating country conducted research to better understand sea pollution in their own region. Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean, has a strong cultural, economic, and environmental connection to the sea. With tourism, fishing, and coastal communities depending on clean waters, protecting the marine environment is essential for both the local population and future generations. Studying the challenges Cyprus faces — from plastic and sewage pollution to oil spills and impacts from coastal development — helps us see how important it is to act now and preserve our seas.

Below is the research prepared by the Cyprus team, highlighting their connection to the sea, the main pollution issues affecting the island, and actions being taken to protect marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Cyprus is an island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. Cyprus is an island country surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and the coast plays a vital role in tourism, fishing, and local life. Because the sea is deeply connected to our economy and daily activities, protecting it is very important for our health, environment, and future. For this reason, understanding sea pollution and finding ways to prevent it is essential. This research explores the current situation of sea pollution in Cyprus, its causes and effects, and what we can all do to protect our oceans.

Current Situation

Pollution in our seas and coasts is one of the most topical problems we face today. It is dangerous for health, biodiversity, and tourism, with risks such as skin diseases and gastrointestinal illness. The Mediterranean is an almost closed sea, and its water renews very slowly (around once every 100 years), meaning pollution stays trapped for a long time.

In Cyprus, our waters face multiple threats including microplastics, chemical runoff, sewage, and industrial waste. Developers near the coast also discharge concrete-laced water into the sea without using proper disposal systems. Oil slicks are one of the biggest dangers: they form a thin layer on the sea surface, blocking oxygen production by plankton and harming marine life. Ports like Limassol and Larnaca are especially affected because of ship traffic and accidental oil leaks – for example, the sinking of the ship Zinovia in Larnaca Bay in 1980.

This pollution comes mainly from industry, tourism, shipping, and the concentration of people in coastal cities. Coastal construction also harms the sea when soil and materials are dumped into the water, disturbing ecosystems.

Cyprus has taken steps such as monitoring water quality, managing sewage systems, and promoting recycling and beach protection. Environmental groups and communities organize clean-ups and awareness events, reminding people that protecting the sea is everyone's responsibility. Increasing environmental education, especially for young people, is an important part of creating long-term change.

Government Measures

National Action Plan to Prevent Plastic Waste 2030
Targets plastic reduction in tourism, fisheries, and public waste systems.
Bathing Water Monitoring Program
Authorities monitor and test the quality of seawater across bathing sites every summer.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
A national strategy to protect coastal ecosystems from pollution, erosion, and overdevelopment.
Protection of Marine Habitats
Mapping and conserving seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) and other sensitive habitats

Environmental Programs and Projects

Cyprus participates in Mediterranean-wide conservation programs and local sustainability actions, such as:

Habitat protection & seagrass monitoring
Coastal management and erosion control
Waste-reduction campaigns in tourism zones

These programs help preserve biodiversity and maintain clean coastlines.

Community, NGO and Youth Initiatives

Young people, schools, and NGOs play an important role in fighting sea pollution in Cyprus:

Zero Waste Beach (AKTI NGO)
Beach clean-ups, education, and awards for eco-friendly coastal businesses.
Local beach clean-up events
Schools, volunteers, and youth groups regularly clean beaches and raise awareness.
Youth eco-volunteering & citizen-science
Students help monitor litter, collect data, and participate in sustainability campaigns.

Everyday Actions for Cleaner Coasts

Every person can help protect the sea through simple daily habits:

Reduce plastic use (bags, bottles, straws, packaging)
Reuse and upcycle items instead of throwing them away
Be mindful before buying new products and avoid unnecessary waste
Participate in beach clean-ups to remove harmful trash
Practise responsible tourism and avoid leaving waste behind
Encourage others and raise awareness about ocean protection

Even one person's efforts matter — millions of small actions create a big impact.

Pollution in Cyprus harms marine animals and plants. Microplastics and chemicals affect fish and shellfish, while oil slicks block oxygen and kill marine species like oysters and sea life living on the sea floor. Seabirds and sea turtles can swallow plastic or get trapped in debris, leading to injury or death.