**Lidl Cyprus and AKTI Continue Partnership for Environmental Education in 2026-2027 Academic Year**
Lidl Cyprus has announced the continuation of its strategic partnership with the AKTI Project and Research Centre, focusing on environmental education through the “Project Zero” programme. This initiative, which has been active since 2021, aims to enhance environmental awareness among students and the broader community, with plans to expand its reach into higher education institutions for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
The “Project Zero” programme has made significant strides in promoting environmental consciousness among young people in Cyprus. Since its inception, it has successfully engaged over 62,000 children across the island, while also contributing to the removal of 18.6 tonnes of waste from coastal areas. The programme's recent activities from March to July 2026 have further demonstrated its impact, with 6,756 students receiving training and education on environmental issues. Notably, 1,467 of these students participated in practical cleanup activities, resulting in the removal of 2.6 tonnes of waste from beaches and the seabed.
In the first half of 2026, “Project Zero” implemented a variety of initiatives aimed at raising awareness about marine pollution and its effects. A total of 33 educational visits were conducted in schools, where students learned about the sources of pollution and potential solutions. Additionally, 17 beach cleanups were organized in collaboration with students from 17 different schools, alongside an underwater cleanup in Limassol that involved 18 volunteer divers. The programme also engaged summer school participants through 25 distinct activities.
A highlight of the programme's recent efforts is its inclusion in the European Commission's “European Maritime Day – In My Country 2026” campaign, which recognized 13 of the programme's initiatives and promoted Cyprus's environmental efforts on a broader European stage.
As Lidl Cyprus and AKTI look toward the future, they are poised to expand their educational initiatives to include higher education. The new phase of “Project Zero” will feature four participatory workshops designed specifically for university students at leading educational institutions. These workshops will involve experiential learning opportunities, including laboratory observations of microplastics and participatory decision-making processes. Students will have the chance to collect scientific data and develop their own proposals to address plastic pollution, which will be presented publicly by the AKTI Project and Research Centre.
The partnership between Lidl Cyprus and AKTI underscores a commitment to fostering a new generation equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to combat environmental challenges, particularly those related to plastic waste. As the 2026-2027 academic year approaches, both organizations reaffirm their dedication to promoting sustainable practices and environmental education, aiming for a future that prioritizes ecological responsibility.
This ongoing collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship in educational settings, as well as the role that corporate partnerships can play in advancing sustainability initiatives. By engaging students at various educational levels, Lidl Cyprus and AKTI are not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but also cultivating a culture of awareness and action that can have lasting benefits for the community and the environment.