Together to protect marine life

A single plastic bag may not seem like much, but when it is part of the millions of tons of litter ending up in the ocean every year, it has a concrete impact on marine life. For many living beings in our oceans, the distinction between litter and food is not clear, and they may end up being poisoned. Others may get trapped in improperly disposed waste.

The pollution of our oceans starts on land and each one of us can take simple actions to prevent it!

Every year, the EU organises an ocean-activism and awareness-raising campaign - #EUBeachCleanup - featuring events across the world. Teaming up with the United Nations and the bluest of friends, the Smurfs, the EU strongly believes that we can all make a real difference for our blue planet, taking responsible action as individuals and collectively. This year we raise the stakes with even more engaging online and offline activities.

For the 2021 edition, we have called for more localised engagement, as group actions may pose risks to public health. In line with the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference in October, this year’s global #EUBeachCleanup campaign focuses on the theme of marine biodiversity. Under the headline “together to protect marine life” we invite you to explore the UN’s ActNow campaign for individual action and take daily steps to protect our environment. Each of us can combat pollution and marine litter by changing a few habits in our everyday life!

Follow the hashtag #EUBeachCleanup or our social media accounts and stay tuned!

Where possible, local #EUBeachCleanup events are organised throughout the Summer and in September, applying all necessary safety precautions, and culminating around World Coastal Cleanup Day. Check our calendar to see what is happening near you.

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Page Updated:
27.05.2021