Loizidou: Sweeping changes on environmental policies thanks to EU

 

Modeled on NGOS in the European Union, AKTI was set up in 2000 and deals with the environment and the quality of life. It is particularly active in education and applied research. Every year, members visit 389 schools free of charge to raise awareness about the environment. It has received awards for its actions to combat plastic pollution and for a second year has been honoured by Monaco principality.

 

Loizidou said the aims of AKTI are to inform the public and to promote volunteerism.

 

“We live on an island but as residents we do not have the awareness that we are living in a natural environment which is very fragile. Our natural resources are restricted and we are completely vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather phenomena. But people are not really aware of this as the way the country is developing is as if we are on a huge continent. Small systems collapse from excessive burdens,” she said.

 

Loizidou said the EU played a particularly important role as it is the only supporter for AKTI’s projects.  

 

“The EU considers NGOs as the backbone of democracy, something which does not apply for Cyprus which considers them a nuisance,” she said.

 

“Rubbish in the sea is a policy priority for the EU,” she said, adding that the European Commission offers significant help.

 

AKTI also aims to develop social entrepreneurship – one example is Tiganokinisi which has received proof of consent from Horizon 2020 of the European Commission.

 

This involves using household oil. “We shouldn’t throw it in the rubbish or down the drain. There are barrels in the schools and the children can take the oil there. AKTI collects it and sells it to people who refine it,” she said.

 

“We are required by the EU to use biofuels. This is an excellent second generation biofuel,” she added.

 

The money is given back to the schools for environmental programmes.