AKTI’s Cyprus-born clean-up campaign returns for its 8th year, having mobilised more than 17,000 people worldwide.
AKTI officially launches the 8th edition of #potavristou today, 1 September 2026, at a green space in Platy Aglantzias.
September is #potavristou month, and AKTI is inviting everyone to get involved. Since September 2019, AKTI has organised the global #potavristou clean-up campaign every September, and taking part is simple: wherever they are, individuals and groups are invited to #potavristou, pick up the litter they find around them, count it and send their data to AKTI through Facebook and Instagram.
Alternatively, participants can share photos from their clean-up on their own social media accounts using the hashtags #potavristou, #akti and #SeaTheChange.
Over its seven years of implementation, #potavristou has mobilised more than 17,000 volunteers, who have collected 110 tonnes of litter from 2,095 locations in Cyprus and abroad, from Singapore and California to Tanzania, the Philippines, Malta and Japan.
Cities, coastlines, mountains, parks and lakes are being cleaned by citizens across the world, while the field data they collect are analysed by AKTI’s scientific team to draw conclusions and provide relevant authorities with evidence-based policy tools.
The campaign has also received significant international and European recognition. In 2020, #potavristou was recognised by Ocean Conservancy as one of 10 innovative global actions for clean coasts and seas. It received recognition from the Mediterranean environmental network MIO-ECSDE in 2021, renewed support from Ocean Conservancy through #TeamSeas in 2022, and a Silver Award at the 2022 Carob Awards. In 2024, it received a Special Mention at the Society4Med Awards, organised by BlueMissionMed under the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, in the category Awareness and Communication Campaigns/Activities. Most recently, in 2025, AKTI received the Costa Carras European Citizens’ Gold Award for its 25 years of pioneering work in sustainability, with #potavristou specifically highlighted by the jury as one of the organisation’s pioneering initiatives. The jury cited #potavristou alongside Tiganokinisi and Posidonia oceanica Conservation as examples of AKTI’s approach to environmental protection through education, citizen action and innovative solutions.
How to take part in #potavristou in 4 simple steps
1. Wherever you are, whether on a mountain, at the beach, in a park or a field, in a city or a village, #potavristou and pick up as much litter as you can.
2. Count what you collect. For example: 3 plastic cups, 5 bottles, 6 cigarette butts, 2 bags.
3. Take a photo of the litter you collected.
4. Share your photo on Facebook or Instagram using #potavristou, #teamocean and #akti, along with details of what you collected, your location and the number of people who took part.
If your Instagram account is private, share your photo on Facebook from your personal account and tag AKTI / AKTI Project and Research Centre, or send us a direct message via Messenger or Instagram.
What should you do with the litter you collect?
- If you are in a remote area, take it with you.
- If transporting it is difficult, contact the nearest municipality for assistance or guidance.
- If you are on a boat, take the litter to the nearest harbour and dispose of it in the appropriate bins.
- Where recycling facilities are available, place recyclable items in the appropriate recycling bins, including PMD bins.
Now that you know how easy it is, don’t just sit there. Simply… #potavristou!
Find AKTI on social media
Website: www.akti.org.cy
Instagram: @akti_ngo
Facebook: AKTI Project and Research Centre
LinkedIn: AKTI Project and Research Centre
TikTok: @akti_ngo
Contact: +357 22 458485 (Giannis Loizidis)
