Project Name: TAPping on Blue Sustainability: Increasing awareness of local intermittent streams and their importance for local flora and fauna
About the project
“TAPping on Blue Sustainability” (TAPs) engages students, educators, and the local community in exploring and protecting the “Argaki tou Pyros” freshwater ecosystem. Aligned with the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030,” the project combines environmental education with hands-on action.
It aims to increase knowledge of local biodiversity, identify environmental challenges such as pollution and climate impacts, and promote practical conservation measures. Through citizen science and community participation, the project fosters environmental responsibility and strengthens connections between education and real-world action.
Work performed and main achievements
The project combines learning, research, and community engagement. It begins with awareness activities and surveys to assess existing knowledge, followed by curriculum-based lessons and expert-led seminars on freshwater ecosystems.
Students receive hands-on training and conduct fieldwork at local streams, collecting and analysing water and soil samples, mapping biodiversity, and identifying environmental threats. Collaboration with another school supports shared learning and data analysis.
The project concludes with community-focused activities, including clean-up campaigns, tree planting, and a public Freshwater Festival. Students also create educational materials such as maps, posters, and documentaries to share their findings locally and across European networks.
Results produced by the project
The project delivers a range of educational and practical outputs, including teaching materials, student-created maps, posters, brochures, and multimedia content.
Students gain skills in scientific research, data analysis, and environmental communication, while improving their understanding of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. Over 200 students are directly and indirectly involved, alongside teachers, families, and community stakeholders.
Events such as seminars, field trips, clean-up actions, and festivals strengthen community engagement and awareness. The project’s results are shared عبر school platforms and European networks, extending its impact beyond the local level.
Engagement and impact
The project actively involves students, teachers, parents, local authorities, NGOs, and academic institutions. Students play a key role in research, data collection, and awareness activities, while experts provide scientific guidance and training.
Partnerships with organisations such as the Department of Environment, the Open University of Cyprus, and local NGOs ensure strong collaboration and knowledge exchange.
By combining education, citizen science, and community action, the project builds environmental awareness, strengthens stewardship, and fosters long-term commitment to protecting freshwater ecosystems.
Enhance students’ and the community’s sense of stewardship and environmental citizenship towards the value and the challenges that sensitive freshwater ecosystems face.”
