The findings of the pilot program for the early detection of pollution indicators in the sea are expected to be very interesting.

Going forward, marine pollution findings will be based on real numerical data. This pilot programme will use pollution indicators to track marine pollution early. The tracking is done with sensors submerged last month in the area of the Ayia Napa marina.

Actions and steps will be taken according to these findings, which will be published, ensuring protection of the environment not just for the Ayia Napa area, but for other shorelines as well.

The pilot programme - which is implemented by the University of Technology (TEPAK) and is the result of a partnership between Bank of Cyprus and the CYMEPA NGO, as part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility within the Environment pillar, will create a national system monitoring the quality of marine waters.

Toula Onoufriou, Professor of Infrastructure Reliability and Management in the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics at TEPAK, and Head of the EMERGE CoE Research Group, said that over time it will be possible to compile an extensive database which can serve as the basis for further studies.

On behalf of the Bank of Cyprus, Elli Ioannidou, Manager Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, thanked all partners and contributors for making this initiative possible. Ms Ioannidou noted in particular that the Bank attaches special importance to matters relating to environmental protection and prevention. She said more similar actions and initiatives will take place, both at land and at sea.