Lorraine Williamson
A €635,000 clean-up operation will take place this summer along the western Costa del Sol, targeting floating waste and oil in a bid to improve coastal water quality. The project, coordinated by the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental, brings together several local authorities in a joint initiative aimed at preserving the region’s environmental health and its reputation as a leading tourist destination.
Running from 1 June to 31 August 2025, the campaign will see 15 specialist vessels deployed to remove debris from the sea. Four will operate offshore, while 11 will work closer to the beaches, collecting plastic, wood, and other waste materials. These vessels will patrol the waters between Málaga and the Cádiz provincial border, covering towns such as Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and Benalmádena.
Floating plastic the main concern
Data from 2024 reveals that 120 cubic metres of waste were collected during the previous summer. Of this, nearly 101 m³ was plastic. Smaller amounts of wood and seaweed made up the rest. The figures are consistent with previous years, indicating that plastic continues to dominate marine litter.
According to the president of the Mancomunidad, Manuel Cardeña, the cost of the project will be split, with 60% funded by the regional authority and the remaining 40% by local councils. He acknowledged the financial input from municipalities and stressed the need for ongoing collaboration.
Environmental protection through cooperation
“The aim is to guarantee high water quality through shared responsibility,” Cardeña said. “Working together ensures cleaner waters and helps maintain the Costa del Sol’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.”
The clean-up is part of a broader environmental strategy focused on long-term sustainability. Authorities see it as a model of inter-municipal cooperation that not only safeguards public health but also supports the local economy by protecting one of the region’s most valuable assets—its coastline.
Local beach cleans
Local residents also play an active role in protecting the coastline. Across the Costa del Sol, numerous grassroots organisations regularly organise beach clean-up events, where volunteers gather to remove litter and debris from the sand. Several of these groups also coordinate with scuba diving clubs, whose members dive beneath the surface to collect submerged waste from the seabed. Their combined efforts not only complement the official summer clean-up operation but also highlight the growing community commitment to environmental stewardship along the coast.
Tourism and environment go hand in hand
As summer tourism continues to play a central role in the Costa del Sol’s economy, ensuring clean beaches and clear water remains a priority. This proactive approach is designed to both meet environmental standards and maintain the area’s international image.
By acting ahead of peak season, local governments hope to reduce the environmental impact of increased tourist activity and set an example for other coastal regions in Spain.
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