The European Union in Ecuador and the Prefecture of Pastaza carry out the cleaning of the banks of the Puyo River in the #EUBeachCleanup2026
The #EUBeachCleanup is a global campaign promoted by the European Union that mobilizes institutions, organizations and citizens to carry out cleaning actions on beaches, rivers and lakes, while promoting greater awareness of waste pollution and the need to protect aquatic ecosystems.
"This is the first time we have carried out this initiative in the Amazon, because we consider it to be one of the most diverse and important ecosystems in the world. Protecting our rivers, preventing waste from reaching their channels and promoting responsible waste management are therefore essential actions to conserve biodiversity and build healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities". Ambassador Jekaterina Doródnova, during the inauguration of the activity.
For her part, the Surrogate Prefect of Pastaza, Valeria Pozo stated: “We chose the Puyo River because of its enormous environmental and social importance for Pastaza, but also because it faces growing challenges associated with pollution. The presence of waste, microplastics and bacterial contamination reminds us that protecting this river is protecting the health of our communities, our biodiversity and our relationship with the territory. This day is an opportunity to act together and give the river back the care it deserves.”
The activity lasted 4 hours and had the participation of more than 100 people among representatives of the Provincial Government of Pastaza, the team of the Delegation of the European Union in Ecuador, the families of the communities of Kotococha, Linsan Wasi, Piraña Wasi, Vencedores and Porvenir; members of the Fire Department and the Armed Forces, the Amazon State University environmental club and the support of kayak groups to intervene in hard-to-reach sectors.
The activity collected 700 kilos of waste carried from different sectors of the basin. This edition continued Ecuador's participation in the #EUBeachCleanup, which, since 2019, has developed cleaning and awareness actions in different ecosystems of the country (coast, mountains and the Galapagos Islands).
UE Ecuador (2026)