In June 2024, a series of inspiring clean-up initiatives were conducted across the Mediterranean as part of the Remedies project, demonstrating the collective commitment to environmental conservation. Volunteers from various organizations, schools, and communities came together to tackle plastic pollution and other types of waste on beaches, showcasing the power of community action.
On June 30, dedicated volunteers from WWF Greece organized a beach clean-up at Agios Kosmas in Athens. This effort resulted in the collection of 10 kg of plastic litter and 23 kg of other waste, highlighting the persistent issue of marine debris. In another commendable effort, the Popeye team in Greece took to Lygia Beach on Rinia Island, collecting 7 kg of plastic litter, contributing to the preservation of the island’s natural beauty.
Earlier in the month, on June 13, Ichthioskala Beach on Chios Island witnessed a heartwarming clean-up effort led by young volunteers from the 11th Kindergarten of Chios. These little environmental champions managed to clean a 100-meter stretch of the beach, collecting 2.7 kg of plastic litter and 1.2 kg of other waste. Their participation underscored the importance of instilling environmental values in children from an early age.
On June 5, Kavros Beach in Chania, Crete, was the site of another inspiring clean-up initiative. Students and teachers from Elementary School Vryses Apokoronou joined forces, collecting a total of 6 kg of plastic litter and 10.4 kg of other types of litter. This effort demonstrated the significant impact educational institutions can have on environmental stewardship.
The Katheti team, part of the Adopt a Beach program of WWF Greece, made significant strides on the island of Poros, where they collected an impressive 30 kg of plastic litter and 90 kg of non-plastic litter. This substantial effort contributed to the island’s cleanliness and showcased the effectiveness of organized community actions.
One of the most remarkable efforts took place in Mykonos, where a very active team, also part of the Adopt a Beach program, managed to collect over 155 kg of plastic litter and 48 kg of non-plastic litter on the islands of Mykonos and Rinia within just two weeks. This significant haul highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by marine litter and the importance of continuous clean-up efforts.
In Italy, a noteworthy clean-up and monitoring activity took place at Torre Paola Beach within the Circeo MaB Reserve, part of the first EU Blue School project developed within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Sixty-five students from a local high school participated, collecting around 40 kg of waste, primarily plastics. This initiative not only cleaned the beach but also engaged students in environmental education, fostering a new generation of eco-conscious citizens.
Last but not least, in Slovenia, the University of Maribor (UM) conducted several impactful clean-up events along the Slovenian coast, incorporating innovative drone technology to combat marine pollution. These events, which took place already on April, marked a significant advancement in both environmental protection and scientific research. Organized under the strategic project Poseidone, part of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 program, the clean-up efforts saw over 100 participants of all ages unite to address coastal pollution. Together, they successfully collected 124.8 kg of plastic waste and 41.2 kg of other waste, further demonstrating the power of community action and innovation in environmental conservation.
All data from these clean-up activities were meticulously gathered and processed by the Remedies Shoreline ML App developed by Infordata Sistemi, ensuring accurate and reliable reporting. These collective efforts across the Mediterranean underscore the critical importance of community involvement in tackling environmental challenges and preserving our natural heritage for future generations.