Vila do Conde hosts the second edition of the MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup

English press release

Portuguese press release

Vila do Conde will host the second edition of the MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup on September 21st, combining environmental action with a cosmic twist.

The initiative, part of the European Climate Pact and EU Beach Cleanup, will celebrate the World Cleanup Day by inviting the public to participate in a collective beach cleaning afternoon. The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation Centre (CMIA) of Vila do Conde.

Organized by CIIMAR, Vila do Conde City Council, CMIA, Counting Stars, and the CIMA Research Foundation the event is supported by a wide network of institutional partners, including the Portuguese Plastics Pact, the Portuguese Marine Litter Association, the University of Malta, the Mar de Experiências project, Águas do Norte, UNIFARDAS, Focus On Critical Action (FOCA), and DOCAPESCA.

After the cleanup, which will last until late afternoon, participants will be welcomed with a snack followed by entertaining activities dedicated to marine litter and microplastics. The evening will conclude with a cosmic walk led by the Counting Stars team, a group of astronomers and astrophotographers who will provide a stargazing session, inviting attendees to rediscover the wonders of the cosmos.

MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup is one of many global efforts on World Cleanup Day, which unites over 190 countries in a common mission to raise awareness of the global mismanaged waste crisis. The event will also highlight the role of innovative and sustainable solutions for marine litter removal – as the Bubble Barrier implemented within the MAELSTROM project in the Ave River in 2023.

The event is free, but prior registration is required by September 19th through the following link: https://forms.gle/X7XZu7nyaPcxubtd6.