AKEL initiative in Parliament on the environment and plastic pollution in Cyprus

 

3 June 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

In view of World Environment Day, AKEL has submitted a proposal for Parliament to approve that will be tabled before the next Plenary Session.

World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment and has been established since 1973 with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leading the actions. World Environment Day in 2023 is organised by Côte d’Ivoire with the issue of plastic pollution as its key theme.

Our country is facing a huge problem in plastic pollution especially on its coasts. A survey carried out by NGO’s, with the support of the EU, throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus has shown that the average density of rubbish on our coastline is 0.2 pieces per square metre of sand with 86% of it plastic, with plastic bottle caps leading the way. The Mediterranean is one of the most polluted seas in the world in terms of plastic pollution.

Although our country has harmonised with the European Waste Management Directive, the road to achieving the actual targets is long and there is much to be done. We expect the government and the responsible Minister should submit a comprehensive strategy for waste management including all waste streams.