“Resilience and action for the Calpe coastline”. Credit: Calpe Town Hall
The second edition of Calpe Blau – Calpe’s environmental awareness initiative held between November 5 and 8– closed with a major coastal clean-up that brought together more than 200 volunteers for a simultaneous land and underwater operation around the Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park.
Coordinated by Civil Protection and supported by specialist divers from IMEDMAR-UCV, the action removed 1,800 kilos of waste from the shoreline and seabed. The largest volume collected consisted of nets and ropes (1,080 kilos), followed by metals and cans (180 kilos), glass and ceramics (180 kilos), plastics and packaging (144 kilos) and assorted debris including paper, cardboard and cigarette ends (216 kilos).
Ccontinuing to promote environmental awareness in Calpe
According to organisers, the clean-up highlights “the value of civic commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems and the importance of continuing to promote environmental awareness and education”.
Following the day of hard work, volunteers enjoyed a traditional fideuà prepared by the local Fishermen’s Guild using Peix de Calpe, accompanied by music from DJ Illan Nicciani.
Beyond the hands-on action along the coast, Calpe Blau offered a comprehensive programme of scientific outreach and environmental education. Over three days, Casa Nova – the University of Alicante’s local campus – hosted presentations from experts representing the University of Alicante, IMEDMAR-UCV, the Institute of Coastal Ecology, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Sea Shepherd Spain, technicians from the regional Ministry of Environment (VAERSA) and the national Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), among others.
Resilience and action for the Calpe coastline
Topics included the conservation of endangered species such as Pinna nobilis, protection of Posidonia oceanica seagrass, reduction of marine waste, citizen involvement in environmental monitoring and best practices in beach management and marine sustainability.
Under the motto “Resilience and action for the Calpe coastline”, this second edition consolidates Calpe Blau as a key platform connecting science, local residents and public administration, with the shared goal of protecting the sea and its biodiversity.