[PIO] The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment urges the public to keep beaches clean

#WasteFreeCyprus

Due to the summer season and the increase of bathers in coastal areas, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment urges the public to keep beaches and the marine environment clean. The cleanliness of coastal areas is vital both for the health and safety of all of us and for the protection of the environment of which we are all an integral part.

Further to the above, the Department reminds the public of the risks and threat posed by marine litter, not only to the health of seas and coasts, marine ecosystems and organisms, but also to the economy and communities.

1. It is estimated that 70-80% of marine litter comes from land-based sources through direct land-based dumping.
2. Plastic waste constitutes a large proportion of the waste and poses a serious threat to the marine environment, not only because of its abundance, but also because of its properties. In the marine environment, plastic waste is found in many different forms, such as fishing nets, plastic bags and plastic packaging rings, which can trap or kill marine animals. Plastic is constantly breaking down into smaller pieces to eventually form microplastics.
3. Injuries and mortality of marine animals are largely related to discharges at sea.

In recent years Cyprus has topped the list of Europe's cleanest bathing waters. This is achieved, among other things, both through the protection of Natura 2000 marine sites and marine and coastal biodiversity, as well as through the actions and policies of the Ministry for the reduction of single-use plastics, waste management and the achievement of Zero Waste. It is also due to the continuous vigilance of the stakeholders and the citizens themselves.

Our goal through collective effort and conscious action is to protect the natural beauty of Cyprus and to continue to ensure the protection of the environment and the safety of bathers.

(EFFys/GS/EATH)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source