**Paphos Microplastic Pollution ‘Requires Immediate Action’**
Paphos, Cyprus – The president of the AKTI study and research centre, Xenia Loizides, has issued a call to action regarding the persistent issue of microplastic pollution along the Paphos coastline. In a statement released on Tuesday, Loizides highlighted that high concentrations of microplastics have been recorded in the region for several years, necessitating targeted measures to address the problem.
Loizides emphasized that the issue of microplastic pollution is neither new nor unexpected, referencing data collected through a comprehensive monitoring programme that AKTI has been conducting since 2022. This programme involves systematic measurements taken four times a year across ten beaches in Cyprus, with some locations in Paphos showing alarming concentrations of up to 4,000 microplastics per square metre.
The findings from this research have been presented at various scientific conferences, underscoring the scale of the problem as one that has been documented through rigorous research rather than recent observations. Loizides expressed her surprise at the heightened public discourse surrounding microplastic pollution, noting that elevated concentrations are typically observed during the winter months. She suggested that recent strong wave activity in the Levant may have contributed to an increase in plastic particle deposition along the coast during the summer, thereby making the issue more visible to the public.
In addressing the sources of this pollution, Loizides pointed out that a significant amount of microplastics enters Cyprus through the marine environment, primarily from illegal coastal dumping sites and river outflows from neighboring Middle Eastern countries. However, she also stressed the need for local authorities to tackle domestic sources of pollution.
Loizides proposed several measures to mitigate the issue, including the inspection of stormwater drainage systems that discharge into the sea, stricter regulations on excursion vessels, enhanced recycling options for discarded fishing gear, and improved management of agricultural plastics. She also raised concerns regarding coastal infrastructure projects, urging authorities to reconsider the construction of new hard coastal defenses. Specifically, she referenced the chain of breakwaters along Paphos and Yeroskipou, stating that such interventions disrupt natural coastal processes and can lead to the accumulation of microplastics on local beaches.
“The solutions are known and scientifically documented,” Loizides stated, urging local authorities to shift their focus from merely identifying the problem to implementing practical measures aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems.
AKTI is a Cyprus-based environmental organization that specializes in coastal management, marine conservation, and sustainable development research. The organization’s ongoing efforts to monitor and address microplastic pollution are part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability in the region.
The call for immediate action comes at a time when environmental concerns are gaining increased attention globally. As microplastic pollution continues to pose a significant threat to marine life and coastal ecosystems, the need for comprehensive strategies to combat this issue has never been more urgent. The AKTI study and research centre’s findings highlight the critical need for collaboration between governmental bodies, local authorities, and environmental organizations to develop effective solutions that will safeguard the coastal environment for future generations.