Dozens of divers and volunteers are preparing to make a splash for a good cause this Saturday, October 25, as the second underwater clean-up of the Algarve Marine Reef Natural Park – Pedra do Valado gets underway.
The initiative, part of the “Vamos Limpar o Mar” (“Let’s Clean the Sea”) campaign, runs from 9am to 1pm, with participants meeting at the Ferragudo riverside area.
The event is part of the #EUBeachCleanUp campaign, backed by the Oceano Azul Foundation and the European Commission, encouraging civic participation in coastal cleanups. It also ties into the Blue Flag environmental programme, led in Portugal by the ABAAE, reinforcing efforts to protect marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Around 30 volunteer divers will join forces with support teams on land and a local fishing vessel, working together to remove litter and debris from the seabed.
The event is organised by the municipal council of Lagoa with the support of several key partners, including the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), the National Maritime Authority (AMN), the Lifeguard Institute (ISN), and the PortiSub Diving Club from Portimão.
“This is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the protection of the marine environment, learn about coastal ecosystems and participate in a volunteer event that has a direct impact on ocean conservation,” organisers say.
Those interested in taking part or finding out more can contact sitio.fontes@cm-lagoa.pt or call 282 380 400.
