In recent days, we have been reading a series of reports about “emergency meetings” and the “new detection of microplastics” on Cyprus beaches. The presence of microplastics on Cyprus beaches is neither a new nor sudden phenomenon, and AKTI Project and Research Centre has been systematically studying the issue for years. Since 2022, we have been conducting organized scientific research on microplastics along the coasts of Cyprus, with continuous sediment sampling in 10 coastal areas, laboratory analysis and microscopic examination.

Four years of systematic monitoring confirm what we have known for some time: microplastics are found on all the beaches we studied, regardless of geographical orientation. Among them, fragments, fibers, films, pellets and foamed plastics were recorded, both colored and transparent.

The most affected area recorded an average of up to 6,000 microplastic particles per square meter.

At the same time, our research highlights clear seasonal patterns, with higher concentrations mainly during the months of December and March, confirming the decisive role of sea currents and weather conditions in their transport.

The Mediterranean is among the most vulnerable seas worldwide in terms of plastic pollution. For this reason, addressing the problem cannot be limited to fragmented reactions whenever pollution becomes visible.

Continuous monitoring, scientific documentation, meaningful prevention and, above all, the reduction of primary plastic production and the redesign of packaging at policy level are required.

The question is one: when will we address the problem of microplastics with the seriousness it requires?

More information on AKTI’s research on microplastics:

https://www.akti.org.cy/projects/microplastics-detection-on-cyprus-beaches-sampling-and-analysis/

About AKTI

AKTI Project and Research Centre is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in Nicosia. It was founded in 2000 by a group of specialists in environmental issues and has since managed to create an extensive network of partners and volunteers on matters relating to public environmental awareness and the promotion of sustainable development. More specifically, AKTI as an organization is involved in applied environmental research, environmental education and professional training, integrated coastal zone management and the marine environment.

95 Kyreneias Street, Platy Aglantzias, 2113 Nicosia, Cyprus, Tel: 22 458485 Fax: 22 458486, email: [email protected] www.akti.org.cy