This morning (16th September 2023), over 60 participants from Europe and Singapore joined hands at #EUBeachCleanup 2023 in Singapore. The event was organised by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Singapore in partnership with Seven Clean Seas.

Cleaning Tiny Beach in East Coast, participants collected more than 100 large bags – a whole construction skip full – of marine litter. This included ropes, oil canisters, styrofoam, dozens of flip flops, hundreds of cups and plastic bottles.

In attendance: Ambassadors from Europe and beyond, representatives of Singapore’s Public Hygiene Council, families, local entrepreneurs and other nature lovers.

EU Delegation to Singapore

EU Ambassador to Singapore Iwona Piórko said: “Our oceans are where life started. They generate over half the oxygen we breathe. They feed us and help regulate our climate. Yet, our oceans are under threat. Without action, marine waste will outweigh all the fish in our seas by 2050. Each year, ten million metric tonnes of plastics end up in the ocean. And it is only becoming worse. By 2040, it could be as much as 37 million tonnes per year.

I am inspired to see the EU Beach Cleanup in Singapore turn into a blue wave of change, thanks to the support of such a diverse crowd - this morning and over the past few years. Our collective efforts demonstrate how every action counts and why we need all hands on deck in the fight against marine litter.” (@IwonaPiorkoEU on X)

#EUBeachCleanup 2023 is part of this year's EU Green Diplomacy Weeks, promoting dialogue and cooperation on climate change.

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