The II Calp Blau Marine Environmental Days, organised by the Calpe Town Hall between 5 and 8 November, concluded with a successful coastal cleanup day that brought together more than 200 volunteers in a simultaneous land and underwater action. Coordinated by Civil Protection and with the collaboration of specialised IMEDMAR-UCV divers, the initiative took place in the surroundings of the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park.
As a result of the day, 1,800 kilos of waste were removed, including nets and ropes (1,080 kilos), metals and cans (180 kilos), glass and ceramics (180 kilos), plastics and packaging (144 kilos), as well as other waste such as paper, cardboard and cigarette butts (216 kilos). The activity highlights the value of citizens' commitment to protecting the coastal ecosystem and the need to continue promoting environmental awareness actions. After the cleanup, the volunteers enjoyed a popular fideuà prepared by the Fishermen's Guild with Peix de Calp, on a festive day enlivened by DJ Illan Nicciani.
In addition to direct action on the coast, the “Calp Blau” days offered a comprehensive programme of scientific outreach and environmental education. The University Headquarters of the University of Alicante at Casa Nova hosted lectures over three days by experts from the University of Alicante, IMEDMAR-UCV, the Coastal Ecology Institute, the Oceanogràfic Foundation, Sea Shepherd Spain, technicians from the Ministry of the Environment (VAERSA) and from the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), among others.
The topics covered included the conservation of species such as Pinna nobilis, the protection of Posidonia oceanica, the reduction of marine waste, citizen involvement in environmental monitoring, and models for beach management and marine sustainability.
Under the motto "Resilience and Action for the Coast of Calp," this second edition consolidates the "Calp Blau" sessions as a meeting space between science, citizens, and public administration, aimed at strengthening the protection of the sea and its biodiversity.