Gibraltar joins global efforts in the Clean Up the World Campaign

Over 500 volunteers have been kitted out to tidy up Gibraltar and support the annual and global Clean up the World campaign. Over 20 areas on the Rock will be tackled by 20 teams with several others providing support.

Organisers say they’ve had a great turn-out from schools, clubs, and other educational establishments, as well as support from specialist teams, departments, agencies and some local companies. “Long-term team leaders clearly motivate younger generations to take up these important issues to care for our environment and civic pride.”

The clean-up includes underwater sites, cliffs, coastal and reserve areas. Seven Sisters, a boat-access-only area, is getting a good push this year with the help of local industry specialists and services.

“It's a sustainable campaign because we can tackle difficult areas together, by pooling resources and volunteers, and making a significant difference to living environments,” says organiser, Janet Howitt.

“The amount of waste in all modern communities today makes the issue of litter as big a problem as it was when we first started. The dumping may have been worse then, but the amount of throwaway, disposable and excessive consumption of over packaged goods and foods available today makes controlling litter a major daily challenge.”

Campaigners say they also look ahead to new facilities to manage waste more sustainably, which has been another long-term aim. They consider there to be four key aims.

“Aside from awareness, responsible consumption, and modern facilities, we believe enforcement of littering and fly tipping fines, both domestic and commercial, is another major tool that needs to be fully resourced to help change attitudes and foster better instincts!”