The Plogging Congress, organized by BSM and the Climent Guitart Foundation, concluded its second edition in Barcelona with a clean-up action at Nova Icària beach. The event, supported by Sorigué as the main sponsor, mobilized around 80 volunteers to raise awareness about marine pollution.
Participants scoured the sand, water, and seabed, with collaboration from entities such as the Mossos d’Esquadra Sports Club (CEME), the Barcelona Diving Club, the Municipal Sailing Centre (CMV), the Catalan Federation of Underwater Activities (FECDAS), and Aigües de Barcelona. Most of the waste found consisted of plastics, hygiene products, and over a thousand cigarette butts, primarily retrieved from the water.
The day also featured educational workshops on coastal biodiversity and the challenges facing marine ecosystems, including a drawing workshop by illustrator Pilarín Bayés. The Barcelona Zoo and Anèl·lides contributed expertise on sustainability and the circular economy.
The congress, under the slogan “Everything Ends Up in the Sea. What Can We Do to Prevent It?”, dedicated two days to analyzing and debating marine pollution and the state of the Mediterranean. The first day brought together professionals, companies, and entities to examine the generation and pathways of marine waste and propose preventive measures.
The congress reinforces the role of the Port Olímpic as a hub for sustainability and blue economy projects, aiming to restore marine biodiversity and improve Barcelona's coastline through dissemination, research, and citizen participation.
