Lidl Cyprus and the AKTI Center for Studies and Research are continuing their partnership on the “Project Zero” program during the 2026–2027 academic year. But what does this mean in practice? And what can change when environmental education goes beyond the classroom and turns into action?
Real change begins with the younger generation, when knowledge is imparted early on and accompanied by real-world experiences. That is why “Project Zero” continues with new educational visits to schools, hands-on activities, and beach cleanups, while also expanding into higher education. The goal is for students—both middle and high school and college students—to go beyond simply learning about the issue and actively participate in protecting the marine environment.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
From the Classroom to the Coast
“Project Zero” confronts students with the true extent of marine pollution. Through educational presentations, they learn about its sources and impacts, while beach cleanups show them how knowledge can be turned into immediate action.
Since the partnership began in 2021, the program has raised awareness among 62,355 children throughout Cyprus and has helped remove 18.6 metric tons of trash from the country’s shores.
These figures reflect a program with a consistent presence and measurable results, which helps the younger generation understand that protecting the environment is not an abstract concept, but a cause that requires knowledge, participation, and daily action.
The next step is in higher education
During the new academic year, “Project Zero” is expanding its educational reach and extending its scope to higher education for the first time.
As part of this initiative, four participatory workshops will be held at universities across Cyprus. Students will participate in hands-on experiments, observe microplastics in the lab, and record scientific data.
Based on what they learn, they will be asked to develop their own proposals and policies to address plastic pollution. These proposals will be publicly presented by the AKTI Center for Studies and Research, giving young people the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the public dialogue on the environment.
This expansion creates a natural progression: from initial awareness-raising in school, to a deeper understanding of the problem, and then to active participation in shaping solutions.
The generation that can be part of the change
The continued collaboration between Lidl Cyprus and the AKTI Center for Studies and Research means more opportunities for the younger generation to gain knowledge, engage directly with the problem, and take an active role in addressing it.
Through “Project Zero,” Lidl Cyprus is putting its vision for a more sustainable tomorrow into action by investing in environmental education and empowering young people to become part of the change. Because when the younger generation gains the knowledge and the right tools today, they can make a difference tomorrow.
