Lecture by Nikos Lygeros in Sotira: zeolite: an innovation in agriculture, livestock farming and tourism
The Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Municipal District of Sotira are organising a lecture by Nikos Lygeros on the topic ‘zeolite as an innovation in agriculture, livestock farming and tourism’. The event is scheduled for Monday 28 September 2026, at 7.00 pm, at the Sotiras Community Centre, under the patronage of the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr Christos Zannettos. Furthermore, admission is free for all.
The lecture at a glance
- Topic:zeolites as an innovation in agriculture, livestock farming and tourism
- Speaker: Nikos Lygeros
- Date & time: Monday 28 September 2026, 19:00
- Venue: Sotira Community Centre, Famagusta District, Cyprus
- Organised by: Ayia Napa Municipality and Sotira Municipal District
- Under the patronage of: The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr Christos Zannettou
- Admission: free
What the speaker will present
During the presentation, the properties and potential applications of zeolite – a natural mineral with significant applications in modern sustainable development practices – will be analysed. Particular emphasis will be placed on its contribution to improving soil quality and the more rational management of water resources, its use in the livestock sector, as well as the prospects for its application in infrastructure and businesses within the tourism sector.
The initiative forms part of the wider effort by the Municipality of Ayia Napa to promote awareness, innovation and the dissemination of scientifically proven practices, which can contribute to the upgrading of local production, protect the environment and foster sustainable economic development.
Who is it aimed at?
The organisers invite farmers, livestock breeders, tourism professionals, businesspeople and representatives of organised bodies. However, the lecture is also open to any member of the public interested in the modern applications of zeolite. So, if you live in the Famagusta district, this is a good opportunity to hear first-hand how a natural mineral can support local development.
Source of information on the event: announcement by the Municipality of Ayia Napa, via Famagusta News.
zeolite: an innovation – why it matters
Natural zeolite (mainly clinoptilolite) is a volcanic mineral with a porous crystalline structure, full of channels and cavities. Thanks to this structure, it has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC). It therefore binds ammonium, potassium and other ions, retains water and releases them gradually. Furthermore, as it is a 100 per cent natural material, free from chemical treatment, it is also suitable for organic farming.
However, the innovation lies not in the mineral itself but in the way we utilise it. A natural, low-cost material solves practical problems across many sectors. Particularly in arid regions such as Cyprus, where every cubic metre of water counts, zeolite’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients is of particular value.
Agriculture: better soil, less water
In the soil, zeolite acts as a ‘reservoir’ for water and nutrients. First and foremost, it improves soil structure and aeration. At the same time, it reduces nitrogen losses through leaching and helps roots access moisture between waterings. In practice, therefore, the farmer makes better use of fertilisers and irrigation water. This is precisely what zeolite does as an innovation in agriculture: greater results with fewer resources. For quantities per crop, see the zeolite dosage guide for agriculture and the article on zeolite in agriculture.
Livestock farming: nutrition, bedding and the environment
Livestock farmers use zeolite as a feed additive, in accordance with current legislation, but also in bedding and manure. There, it binds moisture and ammonia, resulting in reduced odours and improved conditions in the livestock housing. Furthermore, manure containing zeolite retains more nitrogen, making it a more valuable fertiliser. In this way, the cycle between livestock farming and agriculture is completed. In other words, zeolite, as an innovation, links the barn to the field. See the Dosage Guide for livestock farming (12 animal species).
Tourism: zeolite, an innovation in a new field
The most recent section of the lecture concerns tourism, a key sector for the Ayia Napa region. For example, within the infrastructure of a hotel or a tourism business, zeolite can be used as:
- a filtration medium in swimming pools and water treatment systems,
- a soil improver in gardens, lawns and green spaces, reducing the need for watering,
- a material for odour control and improved management of organic waste and composting.
Furthermore, tourism is directly linked to local production. A region that produces high-quality agricultural and livestock products using sustainable practices offers visitors an authentic experience. For this reason, zeolite, as an innovation, brings together all three areas covered in the lecture.
Nikos Lygeros and zeolites as an innovation
Nikos Lygeros has spoken on numerous occasions about zeolite as a tool for development, in lectures across Greece and Cyprus. Indeed, ‘zeolite as an innovation’ is a recurring theme in his talks. On Zeolife.gr, you can read and view his previous talks and articles:
- zeolite as a developmental innovation in agriculture and livestock farming
- zeolite: a dynamic perspective on agriculture and livestock farming (video)
- Zeolite and Jerusalem artichokes: an article with a Cypriot flavour
- All articles on Nikos Lygeros