Beach Pollution Prompts Ministry Response

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment has drawn attention to the problem of beach pollution during the summer clean-up operations. The ministry said that environmental volunteers who regularly clean the coastline face the same problem every day — large amounts of rubbish left behind. Five volunteer groups carry out clean-ups twice a day — in the morning and evening — on the beaches of Famagusta, İskele, Yeniboğaziçi, Lefke/Gemikonağı and Tatlısu.

The ministry noted that rubbish and waste left on the beaches create «shameful scenes» and demonstrate the continuing irresponsible attitude towards the environment. The ministry stressed that the clean-up efforts are aimed not only at cleaning the coastline but also at increasing environmental responsibility among the island’s residents and visitors. However, despite the ongoing work, pollution continues. In response, the authorities are considering increasing fines for violators of environmental regulations.

Inspections by the Department of Environmental Protection on the beaches are also expected to be strengthened, and penalties for pollution made more serious and effective.