#EUBeachCleanup 2019 promotes plastic-free oceans and beaches

27.11.2019
Port Moresby

The European Union together with its partners worldwide, through its global network of EU Delegations ("Embassies") as well as representations in EU member states is raising awareness about 'clean, plastic-free oceans and beaches' and encouraging people to take care of our blue planet.

 

The EU Delegation to Papua New Guinea is one among 80 of the EU's diplomatic missions around the world to have carried out a beach cleanup event in cooperation with its partners ANZ Bank, Black Swan International and Tutu Beach Retreat. Staff and families gathered at Tutu Beach in the Taurama suburb of Port Moresby on Saturday, 23 November, for a few hours of rewarding work to remove plastic debris from the shoreline.

 

A total of 70 people, including children as young as 2 years old participated with their families and friends to clean the beach and mangrove area. The evidence of plastic pollution was all the more evident in the mangrove area of the beach and in total about 50 bags of rubbish were collected.

 

Mangroves not only protect coastal areas from erosion but are also an important habitat, with the mangrove plant and its roots working as a filtration system that makes it an ideal nursery for an incredible diversity of creatures. Choked by plastics, mangroves are now more than ever being severely threatened by human activities.

 

Ambassador of the European Union to Papua New Guinea H.E. Mr Jernej Videtič led the beach clean efforts and thanked volunteers and partner organisations ANZ Bank, Black Swan International and Tutu Beach Retreat for their support to the event, saying:

 

"This is a global initiative by the European Union to spearhead global efforts to reduce and avoid plastic pollution, including marine litter. So individual actions like the one we are doing today here on a Port Moresby beach do matter, as they contribute to a global collective that is now undertaking beach cleanup activities in 80 countries to raise greater awareness about the devastating impact of plastic pollution on coastal areas and marine life in our oceans (#EUBeachCleanup).

 

Also back in Europe the EU is active on the plastics issue.  How? In addition to promoting ambitious reuse and recycling targets, EU policy aims to reduce single use plastics and microplastics as well as waste from lost fishing gear. The EU is also fighting plastic pollution by supporting global transition towards a more circular economy, transforming how products are designed, produced, used and recycled in a way that is positive for our environment and boosts industrial competiveness.  

 

Did you know that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the sea? So the next time you dispose of plastics think twice: think of the three R's and Refuse, Reuse and Recycle.