MAR Shopping Algarve | 6th edition of the ‘Beach Cleaning’ initiative

Each year, a significant amount of waste is released into the oceans, resulting in the pollution of our beaches. At the root of this problem are unsustainable production and consumption patterns, as well as inadequate waste management strategies. MAR Shopping Algarve plays a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness, contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems and a healthier environment in local communities.

Aware of the importance of preserving the Algarve’s Natural Heritage, the MAR Shopping Algarve carries out the 6th edition of the initiative ‘Beach Cleaning’which takes place in Quarteira Beachat the April 10th, between the 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.

The project, which has already had five editions, carried out with the support of various organizations, including government authorities and private companies such as IKEA and the European Recycling Platform, has already demonstrated a positive impact on the community, counting on the active participation of 322 volunteers, as well as the support and involvement of 20 partners. In total, they have already been collected 21,680 kg of wastea collective effort that resulted in a average recycling rate of 56%. This year, the partner entities for the action are Loulé City Council, the Algarve Tourism Region, IKEA, Designer Outlet Algarve, the Portuguese Environment Agency, the Quarteira Parish Council, Águas do Algarve, ALGAR , the Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve, the Oncological Association of the Algarve and ARA – Animal Rescue Algarve.

“Our meeting place integrates sustainability throughout its operation. With the ‘Beach Cleaning’ initiative, we not only aim to preserve our natural heritage, but we also intend to raise awareness and educate the community about the importance of environmental protection, thus reinforcing our commitment to a greener and healthier future for everyone”, says Ana Antunes, general director of MAR Shopping Algarve.

As part of the monitoring of this initiative, MAR Shopping Algarve will organize several studios It is workshops creatives, taking place during European Climate Week, from 13 to 19 May. These studios aim to use the waste collected during beach cleaning, transforming them into creative pieces that will be displayed later in the meeting place. The continuity of the project is crucial to reinforce the local community’s commitment to preserving the ecosystem and motivating the adoption of more sustainable practices.

With these actions, MAR Shopping Algarve also supports the ‘Water is Life’ Campaign, promoted by the Águas de Portugal Group (AdP), the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the Water and Waste Services Regulatory Entity (ERSAR), which aims to raise awareness about reducing water consumption and promote practices that encourage its efficient use, promoting discussion about environmental solutions and, in this way, environmental education and community awareness.

All of these initiatives are in line with one of the most important goals of the municipality of Loulé: achieving goals relating to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. By highlighting the importance of collective action and awareness to mitigate the impacts of climate change, aligning directly with SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 6 – Drinking Water and Sanitation and SDG 14 – Protection of Marine Life, the municipality emphasizes the need to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, calling for the prevention and reduction of marine pollution of all typesin particular from land-based activities, in order to protect ecosystems and biodiversity for a more sustainable future.

Participation in the 6th edition of ‘Beach Cleaning’ is free, and you can join directly at the event location. Participants will receive a kit participation form that includes a reusable bag, gloves, t-shirtbag for garbage collection, among others.

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