Hundreds of Scouts take part in beach cleanups across Algarve

Nearly 300 Scouts in the Algarve are participating in a national cleanup initiative entitled ‘Mês do Mar’ (month of the sea).

The first three cleanups in the Algarve took place on Saturday, November 16 in Ria Formosa, Alcoutim, Ferragudo and Lagoa, while three others are scheduled tomorrow (November 23) in Praia da Rocha, Portimão and Lagoa dos Salgados.

‘Mês do Mar’ was created by two national Scout groups – Corpo Nacional de Escutas and Associação de Guias de Portugal – and is backed by Fundação Oceano Azul and Oceanário de Lisboa.

It involves around 5,000 Scouts from all over Portugal who have been tasked with removing litter from beaches and riverside areas, covering 150,000sqm across the country.

The goal is to not only rid these areas of plastic and rubbish but also teach younger generations about the urgent need to protect our oceans.

“There is no doubt that rubbish is one of the main threats to marine biodiversity and human beings and that ocean conservation is everyone’s responsibility,” says Diogo Geraldes from the Education Department at the Lisbon oceanarium.

“Thus, promoting knowledge about the ocean and teaching children and youngsters about the crisis we are facing is essential to create more active and environmentally-aware citizens.”

michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com