#EUBeachCleanup is a global awareness-raising and ocean activism campaign that mobilizes people worldwide against marine pollution. Annually, over 40,000 participants engage in coastal cleanup events.
In 2023, 45,700 participants took part in 555 events across 44 countries on all inhabited continents.
The campaign is built on bottom-up local initiatives, unified under the global message and branding: “The ocean starts with you!”
#EUBeachCleanup2024 was organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, EEAS, United Nations, and The Smurfs, aiming to raise awareness about marine pollution through clean-up events led by institutions, NGOs, and citizens.
The campaign’s peak took place on International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21st, 2024, with events running until October. This marked the 4th consecutive year that the Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans participated, this year in collaboration with the Europe House in Montenegro and the Bird Salt People Festival.
The YEAs, alongside local youth, contributed to maintaining the cleanliness of the site while raising awareness about the environmental challenges facing the region. Their involvement in the event underscored the significance of collective action in preserving natural resources.
The main objective of the beach cleanup activity was to mark ‘International Beach Cleanup Day,’ celebrated every year in September, with the goal of raising awareness of the growing pollution and attempting to bring cleanliness to as many beaches, rivers, and, this year, a salt pond. Additionally, this activity provided a great opportunity for the YEAs who participated to network and share ideas with the youth from the small town of Ulcinj, Montenegro.
Additionally, on Friday, 20th September, the local Europe House in Podgorica, Montenegro, organised a beach clean-up activity to mark the Day of the Ecological State of Montenegro.
The clean-up attracted participants of all ages, and the area covered was significantly expanded compared to previous years. While earlier clean-ups focused on a small section of the Ribnica River, this year’s increased participation allowed for a larger area to be tackled, resulting in a much greater impact.
The newly appointed EU Ambassador in Montenegro, Johan Sattler was also present and actively participated in the clean-up.
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