Engaging beach users and snack bars to promote clean beaches in Velika Plaza

© RDA-UBA
Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association (RDA – UBA)

Recent studies of objects found on Mediterranean beaches (ARCADIS 2014, Oko Institute, 2012) indicate the existence of mainly land-based pollution, 40 to 50% of which is due to leisure activities. This project aims to raise the populations’ awareness and to change peoples’ behavior.

Velika Plaza’s snack bars will have the resources to allow them to take specific steps (information sheets, wooden cutlery, bins for plastic waste, etc.). Awareness-raising messages will be conveyed to swimmers in the form of posters and guidebooks. A photo competition will be organized on marine litter and cleaning up the coastline.

The results :

A survey was carried out prior to the project to assess the quantity and types of plastic used mainly on the beaches and the knowledge of the problem among the targeted stakeholders. The survey revealed the following :

  • The 4 most commonly used plastic products are: bottles, cups, plates and disposable cutlery.
  • The need to raise awareness among stakeholders who are largely unaware of the problem.
  • The existence of litter bins on the beaches, but which are little or poorly used.
  • Lack of bin collection on some beaches.

Awareness-raising work has been carried out with managers of beach bars and restaurants. An information document has been produced and distributed to the various establishments. A competition to reward the best ideas for replacing single-use plastic was organised among the bars and restaurants involved in the project. Following the competition, biodegradable tableware was distributed in the establishments to show their existence to managers and the general public and to familiarise them with these products. A flyer was posted in the various establishments to inform customers of the simple steps to take and the importance of reducing the use of plastic. A Facebook page was also set up to promote the project and raise awareness of the problem.

As part of another project, discussions were held with local authorities to discuss bin collection and the issue of sorting. The activities of the BeMed-supported project are used to support these discussions.

Updated 10/12/2024