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Upcoming Event: We Love Our Coasts! 2015 Campaign on Litter Free Coasts and Seas By AKTI and Lanitis Bros on 3rd to 5th July
We Love Our Coasts!
2015 Campaign on Litter Free Coasts and Seas
By AKTI and Lanitis Bros
On Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July, from 12:00 to 21:00 at Ledra street (opposite the Municipal Hall) the group of scientists of AKTI will be there informing on Marine Litter within the “Forests of Barrels” of the MARLSICO Exhibition.
The 4th of July, at 18:00 the media, at the same place during the exhibition, the launching of the campaign “Responsible Beach Bars”, within the MarLitCY EU funded program, with the presence of his Excellency the Ambassador of Spain and in cooperation of the Spanish Ministry of Environment. See invitation here
MarLitCy: Marine Litter – Together for Clean Coasts!
MarLitCy is a 28 month long project, funded by EuropeAid Programme.
International Beach Cleaning Day, 20 September 2014, Larnaca
The beach cleanup event was organised by the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, AKTI Project and Research Centre and was supported by the MARLISCO Cyprus project, on the occasion of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. The event took place on Saturday, 20th September 2014, by the ‘Foinikoudes’ Pier in Larnaca. MARLISCO Cyprus implemented an international marine litter protocol and the data collected was contributed to the Ocean Conservancy database. Students from the American Academy in Larcaca enthousiastically participated in the event.
See below how the event was covered by CYBC prime news on 20 September 2014
Watch a short film in Greek from the event
Watch a short film in English from the event
Cyprus Coasts
Click on a following link to read the text:
Coast Description:
Lara Toxeftra (Akamas)
The visitor will come across the beaches of Lara and Toxeftra in northwest of Pafos. The beach of Toxeftra is a sandy coast and it is characterised by west winds and huge waves. We can also find the sea turtles Caretta caretta and Chelonia Mydas. Very close from there, the famous Avakas Gorge exists. In the west of the coast we find Lara bay. The vegetation of the area and the magnificent golden beach combined with the virgin nature and the emerald crystal clear waters, give Lara a unique beauty.
Lara’s beaches as well as the nearby beaches (mainly the beach of Toxeftra) are a nesting area for the sea turtle Chelonia Mydas (green turtles) and the Caretta caretta.
Flora and fauna of Akamas Akamas
Peninsula is an area with great ecological importance for 530 species of vegetation, from which 39 are endemic species (found only in Cyprus) and 25 others have been characterized as very rare. The fauna, like flora, is particularly rich in Akamas peninsula. With all this variety in vegetation, Akamas is the only area in Cyprus which combines flat and forest vegetation.
For information: Pafos-Tourist Information Office, tel: 26 932841
Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite)
This is a magnificent natural beach. The Petra (rock) tou Romiou, known as the Rock of Aphrodite, is a cluster of small and big rocks, almost adjacent to the beach, therefore they create a natural system of protection. The beach is covered with thin, multicolour shingle and the waters are usually crystal and clear. According to legend, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot.
The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou “The Rock of the Greek” is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens pirates away from the beach with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy’s ship.
For information: Pafos-Tourist Information Office, tel: 26 932841
Kourion Beach
The Kourion Beach is located in the Akrotiri area, Limassol district. The long, open beach is at the base of the hill where the ruins of Ancient Kourion and the famous ancient theatre exist. This sandy beach spreads to a magnificent sight view, while the rocky cliffs leave a huge stripe of land, which forms this beautiful beach. The beach is sandy. The big south waves are offering the bathers the joy of playing with them. Today, the magnificent Graeco-Roman theatre is fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances.
For information: Limassol- Tourist Information Office, tel: 25362756
Baths of Aphrodite and Asprokremmos Beach
Asprokremmos beach is located in the east end of Akamas Peninsula. This beach is been characterized by the magnificent greenish rocks which divide the bay into three smaller, the thin multicolour shingle and the crystal coastal water having with the emerald colour. The beach of Asprokremmos is of special environmental interest since it is one of the nesting regions for the sea turtle Caretta caretta and also a region where the monk seal Monachus monachus has a cave.
The Baths of Aphrodite are to be found, west of Asprokremmos beach. The beach near the grotto, is a small rocky bay, surrounded with beautiful greenish rocks that reach the sea in order to create a magnificent landscape. According to the legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to take her beauty baths in a pool of a natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree, which can still be visited. Nature trails set off from Baths of Aphrodite to Akamas, leading nature lovers to incomparable views of unspoiled land.
For information: Polis Chrysohous -Tourist Information Office in Polis, tel. 26 322468
Cape Kiti beach – Lighthouse of Pervolia
The coast of Pharos Pervolion is the “leg” of Cape Kiti with eastern orientation. It is a quiet beach, with natural beauty, a background of high hills from the Cape and a beautiful lighthouse. The beach is suitable for those who wish to swim in tranquility. The remarkable Byzantine church of Angeloktisti (means “Built by the Angels”) is been build on the 11th century and has a rare and fine 6th century mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child between the two archangels.
The lighthouse in Pervolia, at the edge of Cape Kiti, was constructed during the British Colonial Era. With its light, it has saved many ships from hitting on the submerged rocks which are spread all over the coastal area and in deeper waters.
For information: Larnaka-Tourist Information Office, tel: 24 654322
Cape Greco – Ammochostos
The Cape is one of the island’s National Forest Parks. The sea at Cape Greco is unique. It has a deep blue, crystal colour which is created by the rocks of the region and the intense vegetation. At Konnos region, one may enjoy a golden beach, in a closed bay with pine trees that reach the sea. At Agious Anargyrous diving straight from the rocks to beautiful crystal water, is a unique experience.
From the west side of the Cape towards Agia Napa, the sea caves make swimming exciting. The vegetation is dominated by coastal shrubs of which the most frequent observed species is Juniperus Phoenicea and plants such as chrysanthemums, wild onions, poppies, anemones.
There are about 300 plant species in the area, 11 of which are endemic. The fauna includes species such as partridge, wood pigeon, crow, owl, as well as a large number of migratory birds.
For information:
Agia Napa Tourist Information Office, tel: 23 721796
Paralimni – Protaras Tourist Information Office, tel : 23 832865
Coast Alert
The EU funded project Coast Alert: Acting Regionally in a European Context.
17 April 2008, INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT: FROM THEORY TO ACTION, workshop in Nicosia
WORKSHOP 17 APRIL 2008,
NICOSIA: INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
FROM THEORY TO COOPERATIVE ACTION
At 17 April 2008, at FULBRIGHT Centre in Nicosia, AKTI Project and Research Centre organises the Workshop INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT: FROM THEORY TO COOPERATIVE ACTION.
You can see the concept of the workshop and the program below. For registration contact AKTI Project and Research Centre (for Turkish press here)
CONCEPT:
Coastal Zones are among the most fragile natural ecosystems, extremely vulnerable to human intervention. Multiple and complex parameters coexist and interact within the dynamic coastal system: natural, social, economic etc. It is a precious natural resource under threat due to overexploitation and increasing human pressures: 2/3 of the human population (3,6 billion people) live near a coastline.
European Union is concerned about the future of its 100,000 km of coastline:
- over 1/3 of the European population lives within 50 km from the coastline.
- more than 143 million people live along the coastline in the Mediterranean,.
- 50% of the Mediterranean coasts will be the victims of construction until 2025 according to European Environment Agency (EEA 2006).
- 20% of European coasts are facing erosion (EUROSION, 2004) and 80% of Mediterranean coastline will be threatened by erosion during following years (UNEP/MAP, 2006).
- In Cyprus, 90% of tourism activity is concentrated in the coastal areas which represent only the 13% of the island’s territory!
Economic development results in extreme pressures on the coastal and marine environments. What are the limits to such development? The carrying capacity of coastal ecosystems is not infinite.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has been addressed as a major priority for ensuring the sustainable future of the Planet. In June 2007 the European Commission confirmed that “the response to the EU ICZM Recommendation is part of a slow, but on-going process towards more integrated coastal planning and management”.
However, non-traditional actions like ICZM are still unfamiliar to people and frequently resisted. Locals, especially in Mediterranean, want to have massive tourism development, which gives quick profit. Inappropriate policies, inappropriate management schemes and infrastructure failed to make sustainable development an effective option. It can be stated or concluded that “our present approach to managing our Coastal Zone resource needs a much improved, interactive link between the best interests of natural-resource system and the society that benefits from it” (SPICOSA network)
A major requirement for the successful implementation of an integrated coastal zone management approach is to ensure the effective participation of citizens throughout the decision making process. All citizens, according to Aarhus Convention, have the right for free access to environmental information and data. Authorities are obliged to provide the infrastructure and the support for their participation in the decision-making process, which will define the future of each coastal area and the development model that is going to be implemented.
This is the context that led to the organisation of the workshop “Integrated Coastal Zone Management: from theory to action”. The workshop will take place in Nicosia, the 17th April 2008 at Fulbright Centre.
PROGRAM:
09:00- 09:30: Registrations – refreshments
09:30- 09:50: Welcome speeches
- Dr. Jaco Cilliers, Programme Manager,UNDP-ACT
- Meral Akinci, KAYAD Community Centre
- Xenia Loizidou, AKTI Project and Research Centre, coordinator of Network for a Sustainable Future
09:50 – 11:10: 1st Round Table:
Integrated Coastal Zone Management: the way through sustainable coastal development
Key speaker: Dr Alan Pickaver, Head of Policy Unit of EUCC (European Union of Coastal Conservation):
European Union ICZM Indicators: How well are we implementing ICZM in Europe? And what effect is it having?
Panel: (5 minutes suggestion by each member of the panel)
- Dr. Jaco Cilliers, Program Manager,UNDP-ACT
- Michael Loizides, Environmental Engineer- Chairman of Environmental Committee of ETEK- coordinator CESF: the role of engineers in ICZM implementation
- Meral Akinci- KAYAD: the role of civil society in sustainable development
- Andreas Demetropoulos, Marine Biologist- ex-Director Fisheries Department: Marine Biodiversity issues in CAMP (Coastal Area Management Program- UNEP)
- Hristina Kontaxi, Mediterranean SOS Network, Greece: ICZM in Greece and civic engagement
Open discussion with the participation of the audience
Facilitator: Xenia I. Loizidou –Coastal Engineer, AKTI Project and Research Centre, ICZM Ambassador of ENCORA Network.
11:10 – 11:40: Coffee break
11:40 – 13:00: 2nd Round Table:
Sustainability: the role of environmental stakeholders (mass media, NGOs, local authorities, schools…..) and the necessity for cooperative work through networking.
Key speaker: Dr George Kassinis, Associate Professor, Univercity of Cyprus
Critical environmental stakeholders and social networks for sustainable development
Panel: (5 minutes suggestion by each member of the panel)
- Nic Jarraud, UNDP-ACT: The Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum
- Kriton Arsenis- Head of Policy Unit, Hellenic Society of Environment and Heritage- Greece: Network for the sustainable development of Aegian islands, Greece
- Michael Ierides- Director CYMEPA: eco schools: a way to promote sustainable development
- Kyriaki Demetriou- AKTI: the Aarhus Convention in Cyprus and the potential given to active public participation
- Dr Ibrahim Ozejder, journalist, Ass University Professor: the role of MME in promoting sustainable development
Open discussion with the participation of the audience
Facilitator: Michael I. Loizides – Environmental Engineer- Chairman of Environmental Committee of ETEK- coordinator of Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum
13:00: Cocktail Lunch
Organizers: AKTI Project and Research Centre
Supported by the organizations: CYMEPA, KAYAD , AGEM
For information and registration, you are welcome to contact AKTI’s office, tel 22458485, fax: 22458486, e-mail: akti@akti.org.cy, website: www.akti.org.cy.
The workshop forms part of the 4-day CESF Plenary, 14 – 18 April 2008, at the Fulbright Centre, Nicosia Cyprus. CESF, ie Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum is an isl and-wide environmental platform supported by UNDP-ACT). The workshop is organised within the framework of the program “Network for a sustainable future” which froms part of Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum.
Workshop on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and the Role of Civil Society
Τhe 15th of March 2007, took place the Workshop: Integrated Coastal Zone Management and the Role of Civil Society, in Goethe Institute in Nicosia . The Workshop was very successful: 10 subjects have been presented and discussed concerning sustainable coastal management, the role of civil society the situation in Cyprus, projects have been presented like CAMP Cyprus, and experience from other countries (eg the case of Elefsina by MedSOS and ENCORA network). 50 people attended the works throughout the day. The European Network for Coastal Research participated in the workshop, represented by prof. Prinos. Dr Jaco Cilliers, Project Manager of UNDP-ACT did the opening of the works, emphasising on the importance of sustainable coastal development for the future of Cyprus and the significance of the active involvement of citizens in the decision making process. The Workshop was organized by AKTI Project and Research Centre, supported by the organizations CYMEPA, KAYAD, AGEM, within the framework of the project NETWORK FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, which is funded by UNDP-ACT
Youth in Action for Sustainable Living
Stimulate awareness among the youth of Cyprus on the importance of coastal environment, ‘Youth in Action’ Programme
Press Release: Thriving by the Shore: AKTI Marks 23 Years of Environmental Impact!
Read our Press Release in Greek:
Check out our interviews on Cypriot TV channels:
OMEGATV(45:40 – 47:30)
Today, AKTI Project and Research Centre celebrated a remarkable 23 years of environmental initiatives along the picturesque Geroskipou Beach on November 29.
In a symbolic gesture, AKTI hosted the festivities at Geroskipou Beach, attracting over 200 participants who actively engaged in activities themed around the Sea and Sustainability.
Volunteers and organizations joined AKTI in paying tribute to its anniversary and recognizing the organization’s diverse contributions. Participants included students and educators from Agias Paraskevis Geroskipou Gymnasium, Second Elementary School of Geroskipou, and First Elementary School of Paphos, members of the Cyprus Autism Association, Geroskipou Adult Care Center, the Paphos Coastal Fishing Association, citizens, volunteers, and representatives from the Municipality. Attendees took part in beach cleaning initiatives and witnessed a captivating demonstration of a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) courtesy of the SeaTecHub project.
The widely acclaimed “Tiganokinisi Caravan,” an educational and environmental program for collecting used cooking oils supported by Chevron’s Corporate Responsibility Program, left a lasting impression. Participants witnessed Tiganokinisi Caravan’s presentation, showcasing science experiments on converting used oil into biodiesel. The Tiganokinisi Caravan also offered scientific demonstrations promoting sustainable practices.
Dr. Xenia I. Loizidou, Chair of AKTI’s Board of Directors, expressed, “The substantial turnout and enthusiastic response to our invitation today are particularly touching, affirming that these 23 years of AKTI’s existence stand for 23 years of impactful work. The world’s support is our driving force to persist!”
For additional information about the AKTI Project and Research Centre, please visit their official website: https://www.akti.org.cy/
AKTI and Emba Community: Reuniting for the Park They Created Together!
Today, the village of Emba took center stage in a significant event. The local community, AKTI Project and Research Centre, Emba Primary School, Community Council, and the Paphos Coastal Fishermen’s Association joined forces for the cleaning and rejuvenation of the park they collectively created.
Two years ago, these entities combined their efforts with the aim of providing Emba village with a new contact point for relaxation, leisure and contact with the nature. Subsequently, they ‘adopted’ the park, committing to its maintenance. Two years ago, the park hosted the Paphos Farmer Women’s award ceremony, and since then, it has become a distinctive gathering place for local events.
Today, AKTI, 52 students, and the Emba community once again came together to breathe new life into the park through a coordinated cleaning and planting initiative, which led to the collection of 50 kilos of garbage. AKTI commended the students for their awareness and invaluable contribution to this endeavor, offering them locally sourced products from the region.
The event was covered by RIK’s “Proti Enimerosi” program, which was present to broadcast this significant initiative (Click here to watch the video). This not only serves as a message of hope but also emphasizes that the protection and preservation of the environment should be considered a collective responsibility for building a sustainable future!
Read more about our initiative.
This event took place within the framework of the AdvocaCY project which benefits from a grant under the Active Citizens Fund Cyprus programme, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein ,and Norway, through the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021.
