From Argáki tou Pyros to the Solutions of the Future: Environmental Education and Innovation at Agia Varvara Primary School

On 10 June 2026, Omnia, in collaboration with Almyras, delivered four educational presentations at Agia Varvara Primary School in Nicosia, engaging approximately 80 students from Grades 4 and 6, together with their teachers.

The presentations built upon the students’ recent experience at Argáki tou Pyros, organised through the TAP’s project (TAPping on Blue Sustainability: Increasing Awareness of Local Intermittent Streams and Their Importance for Local Flora and Fauna), funded by the European BlueLightS project. By linking their field experience with wider environmental issues, the activities encouraged students to explore the connections between local ecosystems, sustainability challenges and possible solutions.

Educational resources from the Y-EDCO and INNO-ANTIDOTE projects were used to introduce students to topics such as marine pollution, microplastics and ocean garbage gyres. Through the Y-EDCO material, students explored how plastic is transformed into microplastics, how waste accumulates in large oceanic gyres and the impacts this has on marine ecosystems, helping them understand how environmental issues extend beyond local boundaries.

Drawing on the innovation-focused approach of INNO-ANTIDOTE, the presentations also encouraged students to think about solutions rather than problems alone. Through interactive discussions, students shared ideas on how waste could be reduced and how natural areas such as Argáki tou Pyros could be better protected, demonstrating creativity, environmental awareness and a strong willingness to contribute to positive change.

The enthusiasm, questions and thoughtful contributions of the students highlighted the importance of environmental education in empowering young people to become informed and active citizens.

Omnia and Almyras would like to thank the management, teachers and students of Agia Varvara Primary School for their warm welcome and active participation.

Learn more about the projects

•        Y-EDCO: https://y-edco.eu/
•        INNO-ANTIDOTE: https://inno-antidote.eu/
•        TAP’s: Facebook
•        Almyras: Facebook