“Plastic Free Beaches” aims to
eliminate the problem of plastic litter on 30 coastal locations in Italy,
Albania, Croatia and Greece. Focusing on raising the awareness of swimmers and
local institutional and economic stakeholders, this project encourages the
reduction of plastic litter and also promotes a more effective and sustainable
management of tourism in the areas concerned.
The project will include the following
activities: voluntary beach cleaning sessions; raising the awareness of
swimmers (through fun participatory activities); the monitoring of the analysis
of litter on beaches; training operators in the monitoring of beach litter and
the use of the existing beach litter map; the organization of workshops (for
shellfish growers) on the loss and dispersal of fishing nets as well as on
technological innovations regarding biodegradable nets.
- The aim of the pilot action was to create a network of stakeholders in the city of Terracina. A study of plastic pollution was carried out along the municipality’s 4 km of coastline in order to quantify the problem and monitor the effectiveness of the action taken. The study was prepared and carried out in collaboration with tourism professionals, local authorities and the municipality, all of whom have signed up to the network. Following on from these actions, a study on waste treatment was initiated. Training courses were organised for the various stakeholders in order to define an action plan. The action plan includes replacing products that generate waste, installing public water fountains and improving waste sorting in the city. To raise awareness among the general public and involve them in the project, activities have been organised in schools and clean-up days have been organised, and waste sorting bins and information panels have been installed in various strategic locations.
