Every year, millions of tons of plastic and other waste wash up on the Mediterranean coast, severely impacting the ecosystem and local communities. The Mediterranean is one of the most polluted seas in the world, with beaches becoming dumping grounds for harmful marine litter. But there’s hope on the horizon. The COMMON project has launched the ‘BEach CLEAN’ campaign, a vital, EU-funded initiative aimed at tackling marine litter on Mediterranean beaches.
BEach CLEAN campaign, its innovative strategies to reduce litter, and its positive impact on local ecosystems and tourism. From cleanup activities to community engagement, discover how this project is helping to preserve the beauty of the Mediterranean.
The BEach CLEAN campaign has been launched to raise awareness about the urgent issue of marine litter on Mediterranean beaches. This initiative aims to protect the environmental heritage of these beaches and encourages a productive dialogue between tourism operators and local communities. The campaign begins with the distribution of a decalogue—a set of ten best practices—to promote proper waste management and raise awareness about the harmful impact of waste abandonment.
These ten golden rules, presented in poster form, will be displayed at major tourist destinations and beach resorts in Italy, Lebanon, and Tunisia. These areas experience a significant influx of visitors during the summer, and the coastal regions are heavily impacted by rising waste levels.
Seaside tourism, especially in the summer, contributes to a 40% increase in marine litter, with poor waste management practices identified as one of the primary causes. Additional issues like inadequate waste treatment systems and the habit of flushing waste down toilets exacerbate the problem. To address this, the BEach CLEAN campaign focuses on encouraging individual daily actions. Educating tourists on waste management practices and fostering collaboration among tourism businesses can make a real difference in tackling this environmental challenge.
The campaign is part of the COMMON project (COastal Management and MOnitoring Network), a collaboration between Italy, Lebanon, and Tunisia aimed at reducing marine litter in the Mediterranean. BEach CLEAN will run until September 30 and will target five key Mediterranean areas: Maremma and Salento in Italy, Kuriat Island and Monastir in Tunisia, and the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve in Lebanon. The focus is to promote sustainable and eco-friendly bathing establishments that respect the environment and provide a responsible beach experience for tourists.
Marine litter has a far-reaching impact, affecting vital sectors like tourism and fishing, causing economic losses for individuals and communities. The Mediterranean region, home to over 450 million people across 22 countries, generates up to 760 kg of solid waste per capita annually. Much of this waste washes up on beaches, damaging both the environment and the biodiversity that the seas protect.
As part of this campaign, participating bathing establishments will not only display the decalogue but also take part in a survey at the beginning and end of the summer season to assess beach health and waste management practices. A separate questionnaire will also be offered to tourists to understand their waste disposal habits and identify challenges they face when it comes to proper disposal. Tourists are invited to share their experiences and feedback via this survey: BEach CLEAN Tourist Survey.
Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the BEach CLEAN campaign will also address the issue of improper disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, which have become an increasing problem in coastal areas. These “new wastes” are being monitored as part of the campaign, with a focus on raising awareness about their proper disposal to prevent further environmental harm.
What is the ‘BEach CLEAN’ Campaign?
The BEach CLEAN campaign is a EU-funded initiative under the COMMON project, focused on addressing the growing issue of marine litter on Mediterranean beaches. This pollution, predominantly made up of plastics, poses significant environmental, health, and economic threats. The campaign’s primary goal is to reduce the amount of waste reaching the beaches through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Key elements of the campaign include:
- Beach Cleanups: Organizing local and international beach cleanup events.
- Public Awareness: Educating citizens and tourists about the dangers of littering.
- Waste Management Innovations: Implementing sustainable waste management strategies.
- Scientific Research: Conducting studies on marine pollution to track its sources and impacts.
The Importance of Marine Litter Reduction
Marine litter is more than an eyesore; it has far-reaching consequences for marine life, human health, and local economies. According to the European Commission, over 640,000 tons of plastic waste enter European seas every year, much of it originating from coastal areas. The Mediterranean is particularly vulnerable, with an estimated 70% of marine litter being plastic, which takes centuries to degrade.
- Wildlife Impact: Marine animals mistake plastic debris for food, leading to suffocation or entanglement.
- Tourism Damage: Polluted beaches deter tourists, affecting local economies.
- Human Health Risks: Pollutants can enter the food chain, posing risks to human health.
The BEach CLEAN campaign directly addresses these threats by engaging local communities, stakeholders, and governments in a joint effort to protect and preserve the Mediterranean.
Campaign Strategies and Goals
The BEach CLEAN campaign adopts a multi-pronged approach to achieve its ambitious goals. Here are some of the key strategies:
1. Collaborative Beach Cleanup Events
One of the most effective ways to reduce marine litter is through organized cleanup efforts. The BEach CLEAN campaign encourages local communities, schools, and environmental organizations to participate in regular beach cleanups. These events also raise awareness and inspire people to take action in their daily lives.
2. Promoting Sustainable Practices
The campaign focuses on promoting sustainable waste management practices, including reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and encouraging eco-friendly alternatives. By working with local businesses, the campaign aims to create a model of waste management that can be replicated across the region.
3. Innovative Technology for Waste Monitoring
BEach CLEAN incorporates technology to track and analyze the waste collected from beaches. By using sensors and data analytics, the campaign is able to pinpoint the sources of pollution and develop targeted strategies to reduce waste at its origin.
4. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The success of the BEach CLEAN initiative relies heavily on community involvement. By fostering partnerships between local governments, NGOs, and businesses, the campaign ensures long-term sustainability. Public education campaigns and workshops further empower individuals to make a difference.
The Environmental and Economic Benefits
The BEach CLEAN campaign is not only a win for the environment but also for the economy. By cleaning up beaches and preventing waste from entering the Mediterranean, the project has several positive impacts:
- Biodiversity Protection: Cleaner beaches and seas mean healthier marine ecosystems, which in turn support a rich diversity of marine life.
- Tourism Boost: Cleaner, more beautiful beaches attract tourists, directly benefiting local economies that depend on coastal tourism.
- Sustainable Practices: By promoting recycling and waste reduction, the campaign lays the groundwork for more sustainable tourism and business practices in coastal areas.
The campaign’s approach ensures that both environmental and economic needs are met, creating a harmonious balance between nature conservation and community well-being.
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FAQs
What is the main objective of the ‘BEach CLEAN’ campaign?
The main goal is to reduce marine litter on Mediterranean beaches through cleanups, sustainable practices, and public awareness efforts.
How does the ‘BEach CLEAN’ campaign engage local communities?
The campaign organizes beach cleanups, public workshops, and collaborates with local businesses to promote waste reduction.
Why is marine litter a significant issue for the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean is heavily polluted, with plastics accounting for 70% of marine litter, harming wildlife, human health, and tourism.
How does the campaign use technology to address marine pollution?
The campaign uses sensors and data analytics to track waste sources, improving waste management strategies and prevention efforts.
Who funds the ‘BEach CLEAN’ campaign?
The campaign is EU-funded, supported under the COMMON project, which focuses on collaborative efforts to tackle marine litter.
What long-term impacts does the ‘BEach CLEAN’ campaign aim to achieve?
The campaign aims to create sustainable waste management practices, protect marine ecosystems, and boost local economies through clean beaches.
Conclusion
The BEach CLEAN campaign is a vital step toward tackling the persistent issue of marine litter in the Mediterranean. With EU funding and collaborative efforts from local communities, businesses, and governments, the campaign is helping to reduce pollution, protect marine life, and support local economies. By continuing to innovate and raise awareness, the BEach CLEAN campaign is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for the Mediterranean region.
