A total of 238 volunteers from San Pedro Sula and the surrounding area took part in a major clean-up operation at Buena Vista Beach in Cuyamel on Saturday, September 20, led by the youth organization Cipotes, with support from the European Union, the Cortés Port Authority, and the Center for Marine Studies.

Starting early in the morning, the volunteers covered 390 meters of beach, collecting 1,623 pounds of waste, of which 1,234 pounds were single-use plastics. They also found household waste such as textiles and shoes, as well as glass and other recyclable materials in smaller quantities.

Buena Vista Beach was selected because of the high concentration of waste carried there by various currents, including the Motagua River, making it one of the most vulnerable areas on the northern coast of Honduras.

Most of the participants were university students, who expressed their desire to join in to inspire a change in consumption habits and waste management in their communities.

This is the seventh cleanup day organized by Cipotes in the last three years, with the constant support of the European Union, which promotes the global #EUBeachCleanUp campaign in Honduras.

Through global initiatives and support for local actions, the European Union seeks to reduce marine pollution and promote the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, recognizing that oceans are essential for life, human well-being, and the fight against climate change, as well as a source of life, food, and livelihoods for millions of people.