Introduction to the course, presentation of the 6-days course agenda and ice-breaking activities to get-to-know each other.
Presentation and registration by all participants to the ‘Emphasys KA1 platform’ which includes all the necessary information regarding the practical arrangements of the course. During your first day at Emphasys centre, we will discuss the current lifestyle among the participants and try to identify some “bad habits” and how these can worsen the environmental crisis. You will learn about the meaning and examples of greenwashing and how to spot and avoid it!

You will learn about composting, the benefits, some do’s and don’ts. You will learn how to compost at your workplace or at home, but in the right way!

The lesson of this day will be held (in good weather conditions) outdoors. Hence, participants will experience how a lesson on an environmental topic can be done outdoors, for example in the Troodos mountains area.

Troodos is the highest mountain in Cyprus reaching an altitude of 1952 meters. It is also a magnet for scientists from all over the world! The reason is its unique geology and the igneous rocks which make up the oceanic crust, as Troodos Mountain is a result of the collision of the African and Eurasian Tectonic Plates. Therefore, researchers and students visit the Geopark to observe geological processes similar to those still occurring in deep oceans, giving also information about the movement of tectonic plates.

After the completion of the lesson, you will visit the Caledonia waterfalls found in the nearby area of Platres, being also one of the highest falls in Cyprus.

You will learn how small acts can reduce the waste of your organisation or home. The aim is to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle and make smarter choices.
Many products we use at home have a major impact on the environment, such as types of detergents. You will explore the way that detergents can affect the water quality and learn how creating your own products can save the environment and save up!

You will learn how to make your own soap and what the benefits of doing so are!

The participants of this course will learn how to reduce the consumption of water, and paper and therefore how to save energy.
You will develop in groups, an action plan, which will include goals and that you need your organisation to achieve in order to manage waste, energy, water, and paper.

This day will be fully dedicated to microplastics! Few people know what they actually are, and where they can be found.
You will learn everything about microplastics and if you are a teacher who wants to further teach this topic to your students, then this is definitely for you! You will have the opportunity to develop a lesson plan for microplastics and propose solutions to mitigate this tiny yet massive problem.

The lesson can be held exclusively at the “Ammos tou Kambouri” beach, which is a small natural beach in Ayia Napa. It is also only 10 minutes away (walking distance) from a spectacular view of caves and crystal-clear waters! Moreover, after viewing the caves from the top we will walk to the sculpture park where history, art, and mythology are represented as sculptures! Among the sculptures from artists all over the world, you will see the one of a minor Hippopotamus that used to exist on the island. We will have a short stop there to talk and learn about the existence of this animal; how it arrived on the island, the characteristics it developed to adapt, as well as some hypotheses that led to its extinction!

OPTIONAL: we can have a ride to the national forest park of Cavo Greco area where you can see the sea caves, a small white church with blue doors and windows that dates back to the 1950’s and a natural bridge, called “Kamara tou Koraka”. Cavo Greco is Natura 2000 site due to the presence of rare and endangered plant species and natural habitats. Cavo Greco is also a significant station for migratory birds!

In groups, you will be given the time to brainstorm using the information from the rest of the 5 days of the course. You will have to come up with an innovative idea and how this idea can become a good practice in the sphere of green living and sustainable lifestyle.

You will receive an example of good practices to be inspired by and create yours!

Recap and conclusion of the course. Course evaluation and recommendations. Award of certificates to the participants and final practical arrangements.

• Walk a nature trail
• Visit an Environmental Centre (optional)
• Visit CYHERBIA botanical garden (optional)
• Visit Sculpture and Ayia Napa cactus park and Cavo Greco