The “Plastic Free Beach” award ceremony was successfully held today in the Municipality of Akamas, as part of the “Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free” project. Coral Bay Beach has become the ninth beach in Cyprus to join the Network, and the first within the Akamas Municipality.
The event marked a significant milestone in the national effort to reduce plastic pollution, with the participation of representatives from local authorities, tourism bodies, students and the local community. Present at the ceremony were members of the Board and staff of the TUI Care Foundation, lending the initiative an international dimension and visibility.
“The ‘Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free’ project is a globally-recognised model initiative, celebrated for its successful actions in reducing plastic pollution. Through this project, Cyprus is leading efforts towards a more sustainable tourism model in the Mediterranean, demonstrating that tourism can be a positive force for the environment,” said Thomas Ellerbeck, Chair of the Board of the TUI Care Foundation.
“The designation of the first Plastic Free Beach in the Municipality of Akamas is a significant moment for our region. In collaboration with the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) and the TUI Care Foundation, we are turning our commitment into action for a cleaner, more sustainable environment, protecting our coastline and inspiring future generations to embrace more responsible lifestyles,” noted Mayor of Akamas Marinos Lambrou.
“This project is a living example of the power of collaboration. We are proud to work alongside the Municipality of Akamas, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Environment, the Commissioner for the Environment, the Paphos Regional Board of Tourism, PASYXE, STEK, PASYDIXE, the students who are tomorrow’s leaders, and many others. Sustainable Development Goal 17 underscores the importance of partnerships. Through our cooperation, we contribute to all 17 Goals. United by a common purpose and shared values, we can create lasting positive impact,” observed President of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) Philippos Drousiotis.
At Coral Bay Beach, facilities have been installed including a water cooler offering free chilled and filtered water, a designated smoking area, a collection point for plastic toys, informational signage and other infrastructure designed to encourage and enable visitors to avoid unnecessary use of single-use plastics.
In addition, an art installation titled “Rethink Your Plastic Footprint” has been placed on the beach. Made entirely from plastic waste, it sends a powerful message about the need to reconsider our relationship with plastic.
The ninth Plastic Free Beach was implemented with the support of the Cyprus Environment Foundation, funded through the Conservation Collective in collaboration with Depeche Mode and Hublot during the Memento Mori world tour.
About the TUI Care Foundation
Harnessing the positive power of tourism, the TUI Care Foundation supports project initiatives and partnerships that create new opportunities for young people and contribute to the well-being of local communities across the globe. By connecting travellers with good practices, the TUI Care Foundation promotes education and training initiatives that open up new opportunities and prospects for youth, protect the natural environment in holiday destinations and foster sustainable livelihoods that allow local communities to benefit more from tourism.
The TUI Care Foundation operates globally while acting locally – relying on strong partnerships with both local and international organisations to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits. The charitable foundation values transparency and the efficient use of resources. As such, 100 per cent of donations go directly to programmes in destinations, with all administrative costs covered by TUI. The TUI Care Foundation was established by TUI, the world’s leading tourism business, and is headquartered in the Netherlands.
https://www.tuicarefoundation.com
About the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI)
The Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) is an independent organisation founded in 2006, following a two-year programme by the Travel Foundation UK. CSTI’s aim is to promote a sustainable approach to tourism development in Cyprus by conserving and protecting the environment, using natural resources responsibly and improving the social and economic conditions of marginalised rural communities.
CSTI is committed to promoting sustainable development in the tourism industry for the public benefit through research and education targeted at both the general public and the tourism sector, focusing on:
- the conservation and protection of the environment and the responsible use of natural resources
- the reduction of carbon emissions arising from all tourism-related activities
- the improvement of living conditions in socially and economically-disadvantaged communities affected by tourism
- the promotion of sustainable means to achieve economic growth and regeneration
Our mission is to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in Cyprus by protecting the environment, supporting the local economy and promoting local culture.