This year, for the first time, the European Commission is organising a clean-up by officials of the EU institutions of the beaches along the Belgian coast. The aim of the operation on Sunday 14 May is to raise public awareness of the litter on beaches and in the sea.
The initiative is supported by the Surfrider Foundation Europe. EU agencies and embassies around the world have been invited to host similar events.
Every year, millions of tonnes of rubbish end up in the sea. “It is estimated that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in its waters”, says the Commission in a press release. The EU is determined to prevent this bleak prospect and is committed to protecting the oceans and seas.
The beach clean-up comes ahead of the #OurOcean conference, hosted by Malta on 5-6 October, where global leaders, including from industry, will present ambitious and measurable commitments to ensure cleaner, healthier and safer seas. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)