Cyprus ranks first in Europe for the cleanest swimming waters, according to the results of the European Commission's latest report announced on Friday
As stated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, according to the report, Cyprus for 2022 is 99,2% compliant with the strictest specifications of the Bathing Water Quality Management Directive and has fulfilled all the obligations arise from it.
In particular, 119 out of the 120 bathing water points in Cyprus are characterized as excellent quality, with only one point not yet classified due to a limited number of samples, the Ministry reports.
This performance ranks Cyprus in first place in Europe with the cleanest swimming waters. In second place is Austria with 96,9%, followed by Greece with 96,6% and Croatia with 95,6%.
For the 2022 swimming season, which lasted from May 1 to October 31, 120 swimming water areas throughout the coastal zone of the free Cyprus were monitored at least monthly, while a sampling was also carried out before the start of the swimming season.
According to the Ministry, the annual assessment of European bathing areas shows how well environmental protection measures are implemented, allowing citizens to make informed decisions about where to go to enjoy bathing areas in Europe.
"The direct relationship between the quality of bathing waters and health and the environment is self-evident", he says, while noting that there is a direct correlation between the quality of bathing waters and tourism and therefore the excellent results are very important not only for the health of bathers and the environment but also the economy of Cyprus, which is linked to the quality of the sea and the tourist activity.
"This success and first place, which honors Cyprus, is due to the perfect cooperation of the Department of the Environment, which has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Directive, with the Health and Public Health Services and the State General Chemistry as well as the Local Authorities Self-Government", concludes the announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Source: KYPE