High levels of microplastic pollution reported on Paphos beaches

Recent reports highlight a significant increase in microplastic pollution across beaches in the Paphos region, including Akamas, Pegeia, and Geroskipou. Xenia Loizidou, president of the AKTI Project and Research Centre, stated that up to 4,000 microplastic particles per square meter have been recorded. While such concentrations usually occur during winter, recent strong sea currents in the Eastern Mediterranean likely caused an unusual summer accumulation. AKTI has been monitoring ten beaches in Cyprus since 2022 using internal funding. The pollution is attributed to both international sources, such as illegal landfills and river runoff from neighboring non-EU countries, and local factors like storm drains. The Paphos municipality has convened an emergency meeting with state agencies to address the issue. Critics have noted the irony of this environmental degradation occurring simultaneously with the awarding of Blue Flags and recent increases in sunbed and umbrella rental fees.