Last week, we hosted representatives from the Zero Waste Alliances from Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, and Cyprus, as well as experts from Zero Waste Europe for three days in Limassol as part of the “Blueprint for Movement Building” project.
Day 1 & 2: Strengthening Internal Processes and Campaign Planning
The first two days were dedicated to understanding the unique internal processes within each alliance, discussing challenges and sharing insights into the journey of growing as alliances. Together, we explored the specific needs of each alliance and the support required from the Zero Waste Europe Network. In addition, we mapped out upcoming campaigns and events planned by each alliance for the forthcoming months.
Day 3: Outdoor Learning and Showcasing Limassol’s Sustainable Practices
The third day was about immersing our guests in local zero-waste initiatives and learning from Cyprus’ journey toward reducing waste. Friends of the Earth Cyprus organised a full day of outdoor activities, highlighting Limassol’s role in sustainable development.
The day kicked off with a walking tour of two local zero-waste shops, Second Life and Agno — Cyprus’s first zero-waste shop. The tour provided insight into promoting sustainable practices and supporting communities in need.
Sharing experiences and good practices through presentations and open sessions
Next, we welcomed a speaker from the Department of Environment, who presented Cyprus’ progress on implementing the “Pay as You Throw” system. This approach, which mainly focused on reducing food waste, opened the floor for alliance members to exchange their countries’ experiences. Limassol’s mayor added valuable insights into the city’s waste management plans, emphasising the urgency of collective action to meet EU sustainability targets.
In a subsequent open session, representatives from the Missions Cities project, NGOs, and local initiatives joined us to discuss Limassol’s Climate City Contract, with a focus on waste reduction. This session sparked meaningful dialogue between alliances, local NGOs, and Limassol’s municipal leaders, allowing for an exchange of successful practices and setting the stage for future collaborations on a national scale.
Learning from CUT University’s Sustainability Strategy
We concluded with a tour of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), where a representative from the Sustainability Office guided us through the university’s innovative waste reduction strategy. Our final stop was at the Serious Products Lab within the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, where students and faculty are integrating circular economy principles into their design practices, promoting reuse and sustainability.
This event has been a memorable and productive experience, inspiring new ideas, fostering connections, and strengthening our shared commitment to a zero-waste future. We look forward to seeing all alliances grow and continuing our journey with the Zero Waste Europe Network as part of the Blueprint for Movement Building project.
