Coral Bay Beach in Cyprus was officially recognized as a 'Plastic Free Beach' on May 9, 2025, marking it as the ninth beach in Cyprus to receive this designation and the first within the Akamas Municipality. The award was part of the 'Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free' project, an initiative aimed at significantly reducing plastic pollution on the island.
The project, supported by the TUI Care Foundation and the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI), promotes sustainable tourism practices in the Mediterranean. Thomas Ellerbeck, Chair of the TUI Care Foundation, highlighted Cyprus's leadership in sustainable tourism through such initiatives.
Coral Bay Beach has implemented several measures to minimize single-use plastics, including a free water cooler, designated smoking areas, and a plastic toy collection point. An art installation made from plastic waste, titled 'Rethink Your Plastic Footprint,' serves as a visual reminder of the importance of reducing plastic consumption. Mayor of Akamas, Marinos Lambrou, emphasized the commitment to a cleaner environment through the collaboration with CSTI and the TUI Care Foundation.