The initiative is part of the BM3 Action Program, which focuses on the enhancement of the natural resources of beaches and coasts. It has also had the support of the Biodiversity Foundation, through its call for grants.

The project ‘The sea of clean: Citizen participation complementing LIFE IP PAF-INTEMARES’ HAS HAD THE OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AS A TOOL FOR THE PROTECTION OF BEACHES AND COASTS AND FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST MARINE DEBRIS.

The initiative is part of the BM3 Action Program, which focuses on the enhancement of the natural resources of beaches and coasts. It has also had the support of the Biodiversity Foundation, through its call for grants.

The actions of the project have taken place in the following protected areas of four autonomous communities: in the Basque Country; Urdaibai Estuary SPA, Urdaibai Coastal Areas and Marshes, Urdaibai Marine Area SPA-Cabo de Ogoño, Barbadún Estuary SAC and Jaizkibel SAC. In Cantabria, SAC Marismas de Santoña, Victoria and Joyel, SAC Dunas del Puntal and Estuario del Miera, SAC Dunas de Liencres and Estuario del Pasn and SAC Rías occidentales and dune of Oyambre. In Asturias, the SAC/SCI Ría de Ribadesella to Ría de Tina Mayor and in Galicia; SCI/SPA Ría de Villaviciosa, SAC As Catedrais Barreiros and SPA Ría de Voz.

Among the actions that have been carried out have been 22 days of awareness on beaches through different environmental education workshops for children and families. Environmental awareness areas and environmental information points have been set up, as well as photo panels on the marine environment. In addition, days have been held to locate, remove waste and clean beaches and corners of the coast.

Within the framework of the project, some 1,500 children and young people have participated in one of the environmental awareness workshops and a total of 9,600 participants in the training, communication and environmental awareness activities. 20 beach clean-up days were also carried out with the collaboration of 500 volunteers. In these cleanups, some 600 kilograms of waste were removed from 16 kilometers of beach.