The Libera Project presents the eighth edition of 1m2 at the edge of beaches and seasthe countryside waste which mobilizes citizens collect and characterize waste from 315 points on the Spanish coast over the next few weeks.
The aim of this initiative, organised since September 21 to October 6It is knowing the impact of waste on natural spaces, in this case in the marine environment, as well as freeing them from this abandoned waste.
Participants from different organizations, entities and associations will come together to identify and analyze the waste collection in different locations chosen along the Spanish coast and on the seabed.
Waste to raise awareness
The objective of the outcome of these citizen science campaigns is raise awareness of this problemto also reflect on the current production and consumption model and the amount of waste generated. Likewise, they allow obtaining information in order to create effective strategies capable of effectively addressing this environmental challenge.
Among the 315 points in which actions will be organizedAmong others, the Malagueta beach (Málaga), the Mourisca beach (Pontevedra), the Patacona beach in Alboraya (Valencia), the Cala Fría beach (Murcia), the El Burrero beach (Las Palmas) stand out. or Figueretas beach (Ibiza).
The Libera project offers a link to consult the collection and characterization points of the Spanish coast, places where citizens are encouraged to register.
This eighth edition of 1m2 at the edge of beaches and seas will have the participation of collaborating organizations such as the Oceanides or Mater. In addition to other groups such as the Spanish Red Cross, the Man and Territory Association, the Terramare Association, ADESP, Alnitak, the Murcia Clean Region Association or ANSE.
Categorize the waste found
The use of the MARNOBA application, designed by the Zero Discharge Association and KAI Marine Services, will allow, as in every edition, volunteers to can categorize the waste found.
At the end of the campaign, this data will join the more than 2 million objects recorded by Libera since 2017 in the Waste barometerand will be entered into the database of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of Spain (MITTERD).
During the last campaign 3.6 tons of waste were recorded on the Spanish coasts thanks to the participation of nearly five thousand volunteers. Of this amount, 77,605 residues were characterizedcigarette butts, small plastic parts, lids and caps being the most found items in 2023.
Negative impact
“One more year, we call for action to raise awareness and reflect on consequences of our production and consumption model“Nature receives thousands and thousands of wastes, generating a negative impact on the health of ecosystems,” explains Alberto Remacha, coordinator of the Libera project at SEO/BirdLife.
The coordinator recalls the UN report which states that plastic represents 85% of the waste we produce. they reach the oceans and warns that by 2040, the volumes of these materials flowing into the sea will almost triple, with an annual quantity of between 23 and 37 million tonnes.
“This means that all marine species, from plankton and molluscs to birds, turtles and mammals, face risks of poisoning, behavioural disorders, starvation and suffocation. We need society to become aware and policies to support this urgent change,” says Remacha.
Water pollution
“The eighth edition of the campaign 1m2 at the edge of beaches and seas is essential for continue to face the growing threat posed by waste in our ecosystems», explains Sara Güemes, coordinator of the LIBERA project in Ecoembes.
“For this reason, from Libera we must continue to promote and strengthen the collaboration of all communities in the search for solutions to this serious problem. A problem that, beyond the visual impact, has serious consequences on the water pollution and in the health of marine and terrestrial fauna,” concludes Güemes.
