Joining Forces Against Plastic Pollution: EU Commissioner's Visit to the Galapagos Islands
Under a radiant sun, we gathered at the iconic Tortuga Bay beach on Santa Cruz Island for a unique event with our very special guest: the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and the EU Ambassador to Ecuador, Charles-Michel Geurts.
Rashid Cruz/CDF
Accompanied by 10 local dedicated young and a group of enthusiastic volunteers, including the Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, Sade Fritschi, and the Director of the Galapagos National Park, Arturo Izurieta, we prepared to tackle a significant challenge: the cleanup of microplastics. While just a taster of the citizen science activities carried out by led by our collaborating scientist, Anne Guézou, alongside the Science Clubs from various local NGOs, including the Charles Darwin Foundation, it served as an important reminder of the need to protect our oceans and planet from plastic pollution.
Rashid Cruz/CDF
Equipped with sieves, magnifying glasses, and buckets, we divided into teams and plunged into our task: sieving the sand for microplastics. The deeper we dug, the more the reality of plastic pollution hit home.
The EU Commissioner voiced his concern about the issue of microplastics and emphasized the importance of taking action to address it. The presence of the Commissioner and the EU ambassador highlighted the seriousness with which this challenge is approached globally.
Rashid Cruz/CDF
Rashid Cruz/CDF
Amid lively discussions and the sound of waves, we not only cleaned the beach but also shared the importance of caring for our natural environment. Both EU authorities praised the commitment of the young Galapagos participants, who are leading the way in the fight against plastic pollution in the archipelago.
Rashid Cruz/CDF
