More than 6,000 volunteers, including Queen Sofia, Collected more than 46,000 wastes in excess of seven tonnes in 279 Spanish coastal enclaves Within the framework of the ‘1m2 for beaches and seas’ campaign organized by Proyecto Libera from 17-24 September.
Ecoembes and SEO/BirdLife’s joint environmental initiative aims to remove cigarette butts and plastic parts smaller than 2.5 centimeters, as well as wet wipes. were some of the most abundant relics in this edition Via the MARNOBA mobile application developed by Asociación Vertidos Cero and KAI Marine Services.
Life It coincides with the International Beach Cleanup Day celebrations. Cleaning was carried out at 279 points across Spain to learn about the type of garbage, analyze the impact and consequences on natural areas, and raise awareness of this problem. In total, 46,800 residues collected by more than 6,000 participants were characterized.
The initiative has involved organizations such as the Spanish Red Cross, Human and Territory Association, Matalascañas Dunar Park Association, Promemar Association, Terramare Association, ADESP, Alnitak, Mater, Murcia Clean Zone Association or ANSE.
In addition, cooperation with the Marine Observers Network, an initiative of the non-governmental organization Oceánidas, and the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities (FEDAS), mobilized around 2,000 volunteer divers in 30 regions of the country and managed to extract a total of 5.3 tons of fish. waste on the seabed.
Action It has the support of Queen Sofia, who has been collaborating with Project LIBERA through the Foundation bearing her name since 2018.. On Saturday, September 24, Doña Sofia participated in the release of two turtles in Puerto de Andratx (Majorca) and visited a collection organized by Red Cross volunteers in the Balearic Islands.
The data collected in this campaign will be included in the more than 670 objects already characterized and compiled in the ‘Garbage Barometer’ since 2017 by LIBERA and thus integrated into the database of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Struggle of Spain. (MITEKO).
Miguel Muñoz, LIBERA Project coordinator at SEO/BirdLife, highlighted all the campaigns organized by LIBERA, The problem of beaches is what best illustrates the global nature of the problem.
“The seas they throw waste on the shores abandoned in any part of the planet over a period of several years. We cannot continue to dump 11 million tons of plastic into the oceans every year. no ecosystem has an infinite capacity to absorb pollutants without collapsing‘ he pointed.
Sara Güemes, coordinator of the LIBERA Project at Ecoembes, noted that the sixth edition of ‘1m2 for beaches and seas’ highlights the problem of litter in natural environments, but highlights and reinforces the amazing commitment and awareness of Spanish citizens. Environment.
Finally, Güemes thanked all volunteers, organizations and associations for their participation. Help protect and protect the Spanish coast.