More than fifty volunteers, including members of the Centre Municipal de Vela (CMV), the Barcelona Diving Club, the Catalan Federation of Underwater Activities (FECDAS), and the Club Esportiu Mossos d’Esquadra (CEME), among others, participated in the waste collection from the sand and water. 430 kg were extracted from the water and 25 kg from the land, with a notable presence of plastics, sanitary pads, wipes, and 1,189 cigarette butts.
The day was completed with educational workshops on coastal biodiversity and the challenges facing marine ecosystems, including a drawing workshop with illustrator Pilarín Bayés. Collaborators included the Barcelona Zoo, Anèl·lides, the CMV, Aigües de Barcelona, ACIN Recycling Metals, the Girona Provincial Council, the Costa Este Foundation, GBI Paprec, and Globalimar.
The congress, under the slogan “Everything Ends Up in the Sea. What Can We Do to Prevent It?”, dedicated two days to analysis and activism on marine pollution and the state of the Mediterranean. The first day brought together professionals, companies, and entities to analyze the generation and pathways of marine waste and propose preventive measures.
The congress's celebration also reinforces the role of the Port Olímpic as a hub for promoting sustainability and blue economy projects, advancing in its commitment to marine biodiversity recovery and the improvement of Barcelona's coastline.
The Plogging Congress is driven by the Barcelona City Council, BSM, and the Climent Guitart Foundation, with the Port Olímpic de Barcelona as host and Sorigué as the main sponsor.
