A Blue Flag Mediterranean Clean-Up Week is being organised in July, organised by eleven NGOs as Blue Flag National Operators, and all coming from 11 different Mediterranean countries.

The Blue Flag Coordinators in the Mediterranean region have joined forces for the second year, not only to raise awareness, but also to take concrete action. They said that this year’s initiative was also commended by the European Commission for its proactive approach.

In a statement they explained that, “today, many are aware of the marine pollution in our oceans, and how plastic is simply ending in our food systems and destroying many species.”

“With the Mediterranean Sea region being one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and also one of the most populated regions, problems like marine litter are on the increase as well,” they said

The NGOs went on to say that in the last years, more marine wildlife have been impacted by this floating debris which knows no national boundaries. It floats from one country to the other, often ending on the shores and beaches of other Mediterranean countries.

“The Blue Flag programme, as in all the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) programmes, drives towards empowering citizens, local governments, tourists and all beach users to take an active role,” the NGOs said.

They pointed out that awareness on its own is not a solution to the existing floating debris. Acting to save the planet is also important.

The Blue Flag Mediterranean Group is therefore urging all citizens to “give their share from the 1st to the 7th of July, in a Blue Flag Mediterranean Clean up of our shores.”

The 11 National Operators said that it is also urging children, parents, other individuals and municipalities “to all join forces and help in the week’s event.”

“Together, as a region, we can make a difference to our resources, our economy and the environment. Lets show the rest of the world, Blue Flag’s commitment to clean seas and shores. Lets all join under the slogan – Caring for the Sea that Unites Us,” they said

Blue Flag Malta through Nature Trust FEE Malta is coordinating this Mediterranean Campaign for 2019 and they said that “a special thanks goes to the Malta Tourism Authority for its full support to this campaign.”

The countries participating this year as Blue Flag National Operators are:-

Cyprus CYMEPA

France Teragir

Greece Hellenic Society for the protection of Nature

Italy – FEE Italia

Malta – Nature Trust – FEE Malta

Montenegro Environmental Consultancy of Montenegro

Israel – Echo Oceans Israel

Portugal – ABAE/FEE Portugal

Slovenia Drustvo Doves – FEE Slovenia

Spain Bandera Azul Spain

Turkey – Environmental Education in Turkey – FEE Turkey.

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