One hundred people take part in eighth edition of YCCS Clean Beach Day
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 5 Jun 04:43 AEST
Students from Arzachena middle schools attend YCCS Clean Beach Day at Cala Granu beach © YCCS / Daniele Macis
The YCCS Clean Beach Day was held this morning, now a regular fixture on the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's calendar of events, and part of a series of initiatives promoting sustainability and raising awareness of marine conservation.
The event - run with the patronage of the Municipality of Arzachena and the support of the Consorzio Costa Smeralda, One Ocean Foundation and Sailors for the Sea - took place at Cala Granu beach, with middle school students from Arzachena taking part.
Approximately one hundred people gathered on the beach near the YCCS headquarters, spending the morning collecting plastics and microplastics from the shoreline. Welcoming participants were the Secretary General of the YCCS Edoardo Recchi, the Director General of the Consorzio Costa Smeralda Massimo Marcialis, the Mayor of Arzachena Roberto Ragnedda, and the Delegate for the Environment of the Municipality Michele Occhioni. Cala Granu beach boasts particularly white sand and a beautiful bay in myriad shades of blue. The problem of pollution could appear to be a distant concept in such a seemingly pristine context, however, 7 kilos of mixed waste was recovered, with plastics and microsplastics featuring heavily.
Researchers Andrea de Lucia and Andrea Camedda, from the National Research Centre of Oristano, guided participants through the various stages, from explaining the cleaning procedures to analysis of the waste found on the beach. The institute is a partner in the European REMEDIES project, which deals with issues related to plastic pollution in the oceans and the study of innovative technologies for the development of new biocompatible materials.
The students taking part, aged between 11 and 12, proved to be very curious and proactive on the subject - as evidenced by essays they produced for the event, inspired by the UNESCO theme for World Oceans Day, which this year celebrates the wonder of the ocean. A selection of extracts from the written texts demonstrates awareness, respect and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.
Some asked themselves "How could anyone want to ruin these beautiful waters, with so many shades of blue and inhabited by so many varieties of sea creatures? I've decided: the protection of our sea starts with me!" Others suggested that "Each individual must monitor their own actions, and we must create public awareness that turns every citizen into a guardian of the sea", writing that "we are the most suitable people to start polluting less - we have to start doing something. Even though we are young, we can teach older people not to pollute and to respect the world."
This love for the sea no doubt comes from enjoying largely uncontaminated surroundings: "I was reflecting on how fortunate I am to live on an island like Sardinia. Every year when May arrives, I can't wait for school to finish, so that I can enjoy our renowned waters that are envied the world over." Another explained: "For me, the sea is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's like being in another world where everything is more beautiful. Underwater, there is a whole new world, full of marine flora and fauna in every colour and shape imaginable." However, the urgent need for change was evident: "When warnings fail to reverse the trend, awareness of the role that the ocean plays in the life of our planet can instead become the starting point for a more concrete commitment and, therefore, for real change."
The morning concluded with words of thanks to all those who attended, followed by the drawing of five names - one from each participating class - who were awarded the opportunity to attend a complimentary sailing course at the YCCS Sailing School.
The voice of the next generation is clear and conscientious: each of us has a responsibility to protect the environment that surrounds us.
Alongside the YCCS Clean Beach Day initiative, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda also participates in the Clean Regattas programme by Sailors for the Sea, which certifies the sustainability of sporting events based on a set of criteria designed to significantly reduce environmental impact. Certifications range from Bronze to the highest level, Platinum.
The two major regattas organised by the YCCS in May, the RC44 Porto Cervo Cup and the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, were both awarded Platinum certification for complying with 19 out of 20 points on the Sailors for the Sea checklist. This achievement forms part of a wider and continuous journey towards environmental sustainability.
For further information please visit www.yccs.com