380kg of Rubbish Removed from Pissouri Dog Beach in 30 Minutes

A total of 380 kilograms of rubbish was collected in just 30 minutes during a clean-up operation at the Akrolymnos dog beach in Pissouri, organisers said.

The initiative was carried out as part of the #potavristou programme and brought together 14 volunteers to clean a beach that participants said has been heavily affected by litter despite its natural beauty.

Volunteers join forces

Those taking part included:

• Pissouri Nursery School (ΣΚΕ Πισσουρίου)
• Acpelia
• American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo
• Pissouri Air Base
• AKTI Project and Research Centre
• Community volunteers, including "Dukki", the dog of Avgi Procopiou

The group selected Akrolymnos beach to highlight the environmental impact of waste accumulation in coastal areas.

'A magical place full of rubbish'

In a statement, AKTI Project and Research Centre described the contrast between the area's natural landscape and the volume of waste collected.

"A magical place, but full of rubbish. Such a disappointing sight," the organisation said.

Promoting personal responsibility

The clean-up formed part of the wider #potavristou campaign, which encourages members of the public to remove litter whenever they encounter it.

The campaign's message is simple:

"If you have seen the rubbish, #potavristou and pick it up."

Environmental message

Organisers said the action demonstrated both the scale of waste that can accumulate in natural spaces and the impact that coordinated community action can have in a short period of time.

The initiative also highlighted the role that schools, organisations, local groups and individual citizens can play in protecting Cyprus' beaches and natural environment.