ENVIRONMENT: Cyprus to participate in global clean-up campaign

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Cyprus will participate in the  "Let’s Do It! World " campaign for the reduction of global waste. The local campaign titled “Let`s Do It! Cyprus“ will take place from 2-7 April.


"Let`s Do It! Cyprus" has been held on the island since 2012 and is the largest volunteer campaign. In April 2018, more than 46,000 volunteers participated in the clean-up, ranking Cyprus sixth among 120 countries that managed to mobilise 5% of its population in this action.

Environment Commissioner Ioanna Panayiotou said it was important to raise public awareness for issues related to the protection, conservation and sustainable management of land and marine environment.

She pointed out that the engagement of the state, local authorities, volunteer organizations and the business sector is essential.

Panayiotou said in Cyprus, urban waste generation is significantly higher than the EU average of 617 kg per resident per year, compared to an average of 475 kg in 2014.

She added that the majority of this waste ends in landfills (80% vs. 28% on average for the EU), while recycling accounts for 19%, including 4% of compost, significantly lower than the EU average (44%).

The Commissioner said the European Union’s new targets raise the figure to 55% by 2025 and 65% by 2035 and noted that the prevention and reduction of waste combined with the necessary increase in reuse and recycling could improve the efficiency of Cypriot economy resources, increase business opportunities and create jobs.

Volunteer Commissioner Yiannis Yiannakis said over the last few years there is a significant engagement of active citizens adding that the “Let`s Do It Cyprus“ campaign is important for raising awareness.