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Κοινωφελές Ίδρυμα Αθανάσιος Κ. Λασκαρίδης
The Cyclone Project was initiated based on a critical insight: marine pollution does not begin at sea—it originates on land.
Aiming to address the issue at its source, the programme implements large-scale, systematic clean-up operations across terrestrial environments, combined with data collection and analysis, as well as awareness and engagement initiatives involving local communities and educational institutions.
Through this integrated approach, the project contributes significantly to reducing the flow of waste into the sea while protecting both the natural and cultural environment of Greece.
The programme is implemented nationwide, covering archaeological sites, rivers, lakes, and regional road networks. In parallel, educational programmes are carried out in primary and secondary schools in the areas of intervention, aiming to raise awareness and foster a lasting shift in environmental attitudes among younger generations and local communities.
A short overview of the Cyclone Project can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH_aX_xG7kw
The Cyclone Project addresses Greek society as a whole, with a particular focus on local communities, students and school networks, public authorities and institutions, Ministries, volunteers, academia, and civil society. Its goal is to encourage active participation and promote sustainable behavioral change.
Start: April 2024
Status: Ongoing, with daily on-the-ground operations.
The Cyclone Project was launched in 2024 as an evolution of the Typhoon Project, following the realization that a significant portion of marine pollution originates from land, transported through rivers and streams. The programme addresses the problem at its source by implementing large-scale land-based clean-ups across archaeological sites, rivers, lakes, and regional road networks throughout Greece.
Each field team removes approximately one tonne of waste daily, clearly illustrating both the magnitude of the challenge and the measurable positive impact of the programme.
Key distinguishing elements of the project include:
• a systematic and continuous on-the-ground presence by specialized teams,
• the collection and analysis of environmental data,
• strong collaboration with institutional stakeholders,
• the active engagement of citizens, schools, and volunteer groups,
• the integrated generation of environmental, social, and cultural impact.
Through this approach, the Cyclone Project establishes a scalable intervention model with measurable and long-term environmental impact.
The Cyclone Project collaborates with Ministries—including the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport—as well as Regions, Municipalities, local Ephorates of Antiquities, and other local stakeholders.
These partnerships ensure proper planning, prioritization of intervention areas, and effective coordination in the field.
The programme is implemented by four (4) specialized field teams, comprising approximately 80 employees who operate on a daily basis.
At the same time, it mobilizes thousands of volunteers, organizations, schools, and local communities, which participate both in educational programmes and volunteer clean-up actions.
The programme is implemented across Greece in areas of high environmental and cultural significance. It has already covered the regional units of Argolida, Messinia, Lakonia, Fokida, and Ilia, while currently expanding into Larisa, Arcadia, and Boeotia, with continuous geographic growth planned.
The Cyclone Project demonstrates that protecting the sea starts on land—transforming targeted environmental action into collective behavioral change and creating a lasting impact for the future.
Within approximately two years of operation:
• 1,850 tonnes of waste have been collected (4,827,021 items) while the total volume of collected waste exceeded 16,600 m³
• Interventions have been implemented or are ongoing in eight (8) regional units
• Actions have taken place in 76 archaeological sites, 46 rivers, 5 lakes, and over 70 regional roads
• 5,619 volunteers have participated
The results translate both into immediate environmental impact and broader societal influence:
• restoration and clean-up of highly polluted areas,
• improved fire prevention and accessibility,
• protection and enhancement of archaeological sites,
• systematic waste recording and generation of reliable environmental data,
• strengthened environmental awareness through continuous education and community engagement,
• reinforcement of responsibility towards public space and the natural environment,
• development of a culture of participation, volunteerism, and collective action, leading to more responsible everyday behaviors and greater care for the environment.
The Cyclone Project significantly strengthens the Foundation’s strategic direction in environmental protection and sustainable development, extending its intervention from the sea to land through a holistic, source-focused approach.
At the same time:
• it enhances institutional collaboration with public authorities and local stakeholders,
• it generates reliable data on the nature and scale of pollution, supporting more effective policies and interventions,
• it contributes to the transition from fragmented clean-up actions to structured, long-term, and measurable solutions,
• it strengthens the Foundation’s social impact, reinforcing its presence in the field and building trust with local communities,
• it establishes a model combining operational efficiency, scientific knowledge, and active societal engagement.
The Cyclone Project positions the Foundation as a key reference point for the holistic management of marine and terrestrial pollution in Greece, reframing the public discourse—from remediation to prevention—while enhancing institutional recognition, public visibility, and societal trust.
The programme is fully funded by the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, reflecting its long-term commitment to implementing initiatives with meaningful, measurable, and lasting environmental impact.