Cyprus

Did you know that sand theft is a global problem?

Cyprus takes a stand against the global issue of sand theft. With year-round beach patrols, the island nation strives to protect its beaches. And with it, the very existence of sea turtles.

Sand theft is not an issue of a sand collector filling a tiny zip-lock bag without checking if it’s allowed but about organized illegal sand trade. And it disrupts nature.

Sea turtles come ashore to nest in the sand. Their eggs rely on air trapped between grains of sand to survive. Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s few nesting grounds for sea turtles. And it’s dedicated to preserving these sandy sanctuaries. 

We all want infrastructures and buildings (that’s what stolen sand is used for), but there are other ways.

Sand – worth protecting!