#EUBeachCleanup and ocean protection across the globe

The #EUBeachCleanup campaign is a global clean-up initiative, co-organised by the EU and the UN, together with the Smurfs, united to protect the ocean against marine litter.

The event takes place annually, aligning with World Cleanup Day, which was first officially recognized by the UN in 2024 and will now be celebrated on September 20 each year.

Events under the#EUBeachCleanup umbrella can be organised at any time until the end of October. While most events take place on the beach, people living far away from the sea are also encouraged to organise clean-ups of inland areas like parks, canals, rivers and lakes.

This page gathers clean-up actions in different parts of the world, and other activities on ocean protection.