(30.7.2009)
The International Blue Flag Coordination took part in the press event held by Corona Extra to present their survey carried out for the Corona Save the Beach campaign. Subsequently, Capocotta, a beach in Italy was chosen by internet users as the beach for a clean-up event
Corona Save the Beach press events were held in Madrid, London and Rome in June 2009. Alexandra Cousteau, renowned nature photographer and granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau, presented the results of the survey. The survey was based on beach users' perception of the state of European beaches and how it affects their choice of beaches they visit. Over 5000 people across Europe took part in the survey. Main conclusions and details of the survey can be found at www.coronasavethebeach.org.
At the press events, FEE representatives presented the Blue Flag Programme and the cooperation with Corona Extra. Blue Flag appreciated that the survey showed the complexity and diverse issues affecting beach cleanliness. The Corona Save the Beach campaign and the press event helps bring the message of sound environmental practices to the public in a new way, engaging them actively not only in choosing a beach for the campaign but also in volunteering for the clean-up itself.
Subsequently, Internet users were able to vote for their beach at www.coronasavethebeach.org until 15 July, and Capocotta beach in Italy received the winning number of 42,200 votes.
The purpose of the vote was to choose one beach that Europeans wanted to “save” and restore. Corona Save the Beach cleaned the litter found at Capocotta beach on 23 July 2009, and collected an equivalent of more than 1,200 kilos of litter in only one square kilometre.
Dozens of volunteers equipped with white overalls, gloves and garbage bags cleaned the beach under the direction of experts from Surfrider Foundation Europe, who partnered with Corona Save the Beach during the event.
Corona Save the Beach aims with theses actions to encourage the public to have more eco-friendly habits and raise awareness of beach preservation.
Corona Save the Beach is a long term programme of the brand. For more details about the project please visit: www.coronasavethebeach.org.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a non-governmen, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development through environmental education.
FEE is an international umbrella organisation with one national member organisation per country representing FEE on the national level and in charge of implementing FEE programmes nationally. FEE currently has 74 member organisations in 64 countries worldwide.
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