Sarpten Warns Of Unprecedented Plastic Pollution On Northern Coast

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası TV, Sarpten said that although some measures have been introduced to curb plastic use, inspections remain inadequate and plastic products are still easily accessible despite restrictions on plastic bags.

He said public awareness also remains a major challenge, arguing that while people tend to keep their immediate surroundings clean, they often fail to show the same care for the wider environment.

Sarpten stressed that the pollution washing up on northern beaches is not solely generated in Northern Cyprus. He explained that sea currents in the eastern Mediterranean, combined with prevailing north-easterly winds, carry large amounts of plastic waste towards the island's northern coastline.

According to Sarpten, currents moving westward from Cape Karpaz transport what he described as tonnes of plastic debris, much of it appearing as finely broken-down plastic fragments.

He said the waste originates from several eastern Mediterranean countries, including Italy, Israel, Lebanon and the Republic of Cyprus, adding that plastic pollution from Lebanon has become a particularly serious problem affecting both Turkey's southern coast and Northern Cyprus.

Sarpten said the first step in tackling the issue is for the authorities to formally acknowledge the scale of plastic pollution and assess its extent. Without identifying the true scope of the problem, he argued, it would be impossible to develop effective policies.

He also questioned whether the Environmental Protection Department and coastguard authorities fully recognise the seriousness of the situation, warning that plastic pollution has evolved from an environmental issue into an ecological and social crisis.