Sustainability measures announced for European Aquatics open water events in Protaras

European Aquatics has today announced a clear and practical set of sustainability measures for the opening leg of the 2026 European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup and Masters Tour, which will take pladce on protaras, Cyprus on 18 and 19 April respectively.

The approach aims reduce the event’s environmental impact, support the local community, encourage healthier lifestyles, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through sport.

There is a strong focus in the declaration, which was signed by Alexandros Christoforou, President of the Cyprus Swimming Federation, on the link between clean water, a healthy environment, and athlete wellbeing. With that in mind, everyone involved in the event will be encouraged to make small, sensible choices that help lower their environmental impact.

The document outlines five priority areas that will guide the work being done at the venue:

1. A Green Task Force will be set up to oversee environmental actions during the event. This team of volunteers will help manage sustainability measures, monitor how they are working, and keep participants informed about what they can do.
   
2. A Sustainable Fun Zone will also be introduced, aimed at engaging both visitors and the local community. It will use recyclable materials and simple messaging to raise awareness and get people thinking about everyday environmental habits.
   
3. Cutting down on plastic use is another key step. Single-use plastics will be reduced as much as possible, with reusable alternatives provided across the venue.
   
4. Waste will be handled in a more organised way, with clearly marked bins for recycling and general rubbish. The aim is to make it easy for people to dispose of waste properly and reduce what ends up in landfill.
   
5. Where possible, goods and services will be sourced locally from suppliers who follow sustainable practices. This supports businesses in the area while also limiting the environmental impact linked to transport and production. Environmentally-friendly transport to and from the venue will also be encouraged.

These measures are aligned with the sustainability plans of Protaras and the Cyprus Swimming Federation, with the intention that the benefits continue after the event has finished.

“Events like this are a real opportunity to show that high-level sport can be delivered responsibly,” said Silvia Costa, Aquatics Social Responsibility Project Manager at European Aquatics.

“The focus in Protaras is on simple, practical steps. These include reducing waste, cutting out unnecessary plastics, and working closely with the local community. It’s about making sustainability part of how the event runs day to day, and making sure that approach continues long after the competition has finished.”

The declaration and legacy plan are below.

Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics

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