Forty dedicated volunteers joined forces with the Teia D’Impulsos association on Saturday (September 27) for a major riverfront clean-up in Alvor as part of the “Arade Azul” project. The effort yielded an estimated 1,900 kilograms of rubbish – a record haul for the association.
Among the trash collected were various plastic items and fishing gear, including nets, traps, and buoys. Volunteers also removed large items such as a discarded motorcycle, tires, and a substantial amount of rope.
The sheer volume of trash collected is proof of the “size of the problem that continues to affect riverfronts,” the association says in a statement, calling for authorities to involve communities more actively in “conscientious and responsible practices.” Organisers also stressed the importance of raising awareness about how individual behaviour impacts local ecosystems.
The clean-up coincided with a double celebration: it took place during the International Coastal Clean-Up Week, promoted by the Oceano Azul Foundation, and formed part of Portimão’s World Tourism Day programme.
The Arade Azul project aims to educate the public and mobilise the community against marine litter. The next clean-up is already scheduled for November 16, with Teia D’Impulsos inviting everyone to participate.
This event was supported by the municipal council of Portimão, the Portimão Tourism Association, EMARP, and Ageas.
For more information about this and future initiatives, visit the association’s website or the Teia D’Impulsos Facebook and Instagram pages.
