The president of the Chloraka Cultural and Environmental Group has raised concerns over littering in parts of Paphos, other municipalities and surrounding areas.
Andreas Kyriakou said the problem was neither isolated nor exaggerated, but a reality across several communities.
Education, inspections and fines
In a statement titled “Rubbish Everywhere...”, Kyriakou asked: “Is this our culture?” He warned that occasional clean-ups could no longer be treated as the only response.
He called for fundamental and lasting change, including environmental education from an early age, a shift in public attitudes, regular inspections and the enforcement of strict regulations and fines against those who litter.
Kyriakou also questioned why practices adopted in other European countries could not be implemented effectively in Cyprus.
A shared responsibility
He stressed that keeping public spaces clean is not solely the responsibility of the state or local authorities, but also of every citizen.
People cannot demand a clean and civilised Paphos, he said, while some continue to turn public areas into “dumps”.
The group said cleanliness is not a luxury, but a reflection of civic culture and respect for both the local area and other people.
