Ocean Initiatives
Europe’s First Eco-citizen Gathering

Dear defenders of our shores, river banks, lakesides and seabed, please save the dates of 22, 23, 24, and March 25, 2012. Surfrider Foundation Europe is organising the 17th Ocean Initiatives campaign for the protection and preservation of our coastlines in the fight against aquatic waste.

This year the target is the plastic that represents from 60 to 90% of the waste found (sources: Ocean Initiatives and UNEP report 2011).

Ocean Initiatives integrate into the Rise Above Plastics campaign (RAP) launched by Surfrider US and embraced by the rest of the global network. RAP highlights the inevitable consequences of the plastic invasion on our ecosystems if we do not put a stop to it fast.

The objective of the Rise Above Plastics campaign is to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the marine environment by raising people's awareness to the dangers of plastic pollution, and by advocating the reduction of their use. The solution lies in the rule of the 4 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle.

Through these operations, Surfrider Foundation Europe aims at raising awareness, mobilizing citizens and public authorities to take action against the scourge of aquatic litter.

Dear defenders of oceans, lakes, rivers and seabed, save the dates of 22, 23, 24, and March 25, 2012.

Hundreds of operations throughout Europe and the world on beaches, lakes, rivers and seabed will be simultaneously organized by volunteers and local chapters.

The extent of your mobilisation will also determine the impact and weight the demands of Surfrider Foundation Europe can have on the national and European institutions.

With the support of Surfrider’s Head Office, every citizen has the opportunity to get involved in the fight against aquatic waste by organizing or participating in a clean-up operation. Surfrider Foundation Europe is responsible for coordinating the various operations, to provide logistical support to each volunteer and report on the event.

All information on Ocean Initiatives is available at: www.oceaninitiatives.org