Limassol, Cyprus. The European Commission’s #EUBeachCleanup campaign was launched from Limassol’s seafront on Saturday, with EU commissioner for fisheries and oceans Costas Kadis and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis taking part in a coastal cleanup.
Launch follows European Maritime Day 2026
The event followed the conclusion of European Maritime Day 2026, hosted in Limassol, which brought together around 1,000 participants from across Europe to discuss the future of the continent’s seas.
Focus on marine pollution and public awareness
Kadis said the cleanup of the rocks along Limassol’s promenade was both a practical and symbolic initiative. He said pollution is one of the main threats to the marine environment and cited an estimate that 730 tonnes of plastic end up in the Mediterranean every day.
He warned that marine pollution ultimately affects humans through the food chain, adding that initiatives such as the beach cleanup aim not only to remove waste but also to raise public awareness.
Campaign to continue throughout the year
Kadis welcomed that the #EUBeachCleanup campaign, jointly organised by the European Commission and the United Nations, was officially launched in Limassol and will continue throughout the year.
With the support of Limassol municipality and volunteers, he said he believed the campaign was making a strong start.
Local officials highlight environmental responsibility
Armeftis described the event as a day of cooperation, environmental awareness and collective responsibility towards the island’s seas and coastlines.
He said the sea is an inseparable part of Cyprus’ identity and history and stressed the need to protect it from pollution and marine litter, which he described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of the time.
Information stands and volunteer cleanup
During the event, Kadis visited information stands run by organisations and Limassol municipality representatives before joining volunteers in the cleanup effort.
How can you take part in a local coastal cleanup in your area?