“They had the opportunity to visit the first beach without plastic.”
Journalists from European news agencies visited the beach of Agia Triada on Saturday, May 29, 2025 in the Municipality of Paralimni – Deryneia as part of the action of the project “Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free”, which aims to reduce plastic pollution in coastal areas.
During their visit, journalists had the opportunity to visit the first plastic beach, that of the Holy Trinity that is within the municipal boundaries of the Municipality of Paralimni-Derenia. On the beach of Agia Triada, the installed services that provide beach users provided the supplies to avoid unnecessary use of plastic.
The journalists were impressed by the active involvement of all interested parties in Famagusta Tourism as well as the innovative practices applied to reduce the use of disposable plastics. Through this journalistic mission, Cyprus is set as an example of sustainable tourism and environmental management at European level.
The Mayor of Paralimni-Derenia, Mr. George Nikolettos, said: “We are proud that the beach of Agia Triada became the first plastic free beach in Cyprus, proving that environmental protection can coexist with tourism. Public and private cooperation can bring about a real change, and our municipality is committed to expanding this initiative for a more viable future.
“It is our honor to re-launch Agia Triada beach as the first Plastic-Free Beach in Cyprus, an important milestone for the project” Keep Our Sand and Sea Plastic Free “. Through collaboration with the Tui Care Foundation and our local partners, we prove that innovation, sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand. The success of the project inspires us to continue our struggle for a future without plastic in Cyprus and beyond. ” The president of the Cyprus Association of Sustainable Tourism (CSI) said Philip Drousiotis.
Famagusta’s PASSE President Panagiotis Constantinou stressed that tourism is the heart of our region, and our cooperation with the Tui Care Foundation and the CSI enhances our commitment to sustainable development and responsible journey. Together, we are shaping a tourist model that respects the environment, supports the local community and ensures a sustainable future for everyone. ”
Subsequently, a visit to “The Loop”, a local business participating in the project initiative, “Bring Your Cup”. The aim of the “Bring Your Cup” is to raise awareness and activate consumers to have the reusable glass with them and to help reduce the use of plastic and paper glasses.
The visit to the Municipality of Paralimni -Derenia was completed with a visit to the Frenarous Municipal District, where journalists were guided to Hatzigiorkis Mills, a business – a model in reducing the use of disposable plastics. At Mill, Deputy Mayor Frenaros, Mr. Costas Michael, said that “investment in tomorrow’s generation is crucial to addressing the burning issue of plastic pollution. Together with the project Keep Our Sand and Sea Plastic Free we will turn the local school into a school -free school with the aim of becoming active citizens to address the issue. “
The project “Keep Our Sand and Sea Plastic Free” is implemented by the Tui Care Foundation in collaboration with the Cyprus Association of Sustainable Tourism (CSTI), while actively involved local authorities, businesses and the local community, contributing to the protection of our coasts and seas.