Between the Adriatic and Ionian Sea II
©Philippe Mondielli
Main results of the project:
The project has improved the management of plastic waste in the coastal tourist area of Vlora, Albania, through two major actions:
- Creation of a database on the plastics used:
- SEEP conducted surveys of ferry and cruise ship crews in the port of Vlora as well as staff at 8 fish farms. This study identified the types and quantities of plastics consumed. A year after its publication, a second questionnaire revealed that plastic-specific bins had been installed on ships, but that plastic consumption remained unchanged.
- Campaign to raise awareness and take concrete action:
- SEEP characterized the waste found on beaches and near aquaculture farms, revealing that 80% was plastic, mainly brought in by the sea after the fall. In response, the organization helped shipping companies implement recommendations for their users. A wide-ranging awareness campaign was conducted among maritime professionals, tourists and municipalities, including:
- The installation of awareness-raising signs on 10 tourist beaches
- The organization of beach clean-ups to encourage better waste management
- A joint awareness-raising and clean-up expedition, in collaboration with the Royal Albania Foundation and Green Vision, between Vlora Bay and the Vjosa Delta, which received extensive media coverage.
