A huge shoutout to everyone who joined us for the incredible launch of Ayia Napa’s first-ever Plastic Free Beach! 🎉🌞 Your enthusiasm and support made this event truly special and a giant leap towards a cleaner, greener and plastic free coastline.
From the inspiring ceremony to the hands-on beach cleanup, inspiring artwork, live music, and interactive interventions from students – every moment was filled with positive energy and commitment to protecting our environment. 🌱💚
Special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, speakers and all attendees for coming together to make a difference. Your presence and participation show the power of community action in creating sustainable change. 🌍✨
Let’s keep the momentum going! Remember, every small effort counts in our journey to Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free. Stay tuned for more events and initiatives as we continue to work for a plastic free world.
The 1st Plastic Free Beach in Ayia Napa is a reality thanks to the support and enthusiasm shown by the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the funding provided by BeMed, Beyond Plastic Mediterranean. Warm thanks for your support and contribution to clean beaches, free from plastic.
BeMed with your funding, we are empowered to turn dreams into reality and make a meaningful impact to Ayia Napa community. Your investment not only fuels our project but also ignites hope and possibility for a plastic free future. 🌟
The “Plastic Free Beach” initiative is implemented by the “Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free” project, which is an initiative of the TUI Care Foundation in partnership with the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI). The activities on the beaches are always carried out in collaboration with local authorities and/or other organized groups in the area and aim to encourage and facilitate visitors to avoid unnecessary use of plastics during their stay on the beach.
The event was honored by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Tourism who stated, among other ‘Beaches are undoubtedly one of our country’s comparative advantages, one of those elements that contributed to the rapid growth of tourism in our country in previous decades,’ he noted, adding that it is our duty and responsibility to ‘always support initiatives such as this one, which aims to minimize the use of plastic on beaches.'”
The Executive Director of the TUI Care Foundation, Alexander Panczuk, highlighted the aim of the “Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free, Destination Zero Plastic in Cyprus” Project, to bring together tourists, tourism businesses, and residents to implement actions to reduce single-use plastic consumption in coastal areas, thus resulting in less plastic ending up in the sea, thereby reducing plastic pollution.
The Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative’s Chairman Philippos Drousiotis expressed the power of collaboration. More specifically he said: “We firmly believe in the power of teamwork, and this project exemplifies the remarkable synergy between CSTI, the Municipality of Ayia Napa, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the BeMed, the Athienou High School, the Ayia Napa primary school, the Cyprus Diving Centre, the Hotel Associations PASYXE & STEK and the tourism industry. SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships, and by fostering these collaborations, we are advancing the achievement of all the other 16 Sustainable Development Goals.
United in the CSTI team spirit, we stand strong. As Helen Keller aptly said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.””
This event became even more special when the next generation took the stage. Some of the collaborations we have with schools were presented as part of the educational program of the “Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free” Project. Students from Athienou High School presented the journey they took until they reached their own Ithaca and the creation of Nireas the Dolphin, an art project made from 375 plastic bottles. The coordination and guidance for the creation of the artwork was provided by art teacher Vangelis Evangelou, and we thank him particularly for his outstanding work. Next, students from Ayia Napa Primary School sent their own powerful message about reducing plastic pollution. Finally, students from Xylofagou Primary School, in collaboration with the Environmental Center of Cape Greco of the Μονάδα Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη, presented a unique poster about the effects of plastic pollution on marine life. Teach our kids today, shape our tomorrow! 🌟 #FutureLeaders #EducationIsKey
In collaboration with passionate ocean lovers Cyprus Diving Centre – Tauchen auf Zypern, we ventured beneath the waves to remove marine debris and restore the beauty of our underwater world. From plastic bottles to discarded fishing gear, every piece collected makes a difference in preserving marine life and habitats. 🐢💙
We want to extend our sincerest thanks to the incredible team at Sungarden Beach Hotel for hosting us and providing an unforgettable experience during our recent stay! ✨🙏 From the warm welcome at check-in to the impeccable service throughout our stay, every moment was filled with comfort, luxury, and hospitality. Your attention to detail and dedication to guest satisfaction truly set you apart. 💫
We’re still savoring the delightful flavors and impeccable service from the scrumptious lunch we enjoyed at Nissi Beach Hotel! 🌟✨From the mouthwatering dishes to the elegant ambiance, every detail was meticulously crafted to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. Our taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavors, leaving us truly impressed and satisfied. 🍽️😋
Check out some highlights from the event! 📸👇
#PlasticFreeBeach #AyiaNapa #sandseaplasticfree #BeachCleanup #SustainableLiving #CommunitySuccess #SaveOurOceans #LeadingSustainableTourisminCyprus
