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2.7 Tonnes Of Waste Pulled From Sea In Massive Birgu Clean-Up by QLZH Foundation

2.7 Tonnes Of Waste Pulled From Sea In Massive Birgu Clean-Up by QLZH Foundation
Local

The QLZH Foundation's Ocean Bed Clean-Up, now in its 10th edition, brought together over 80 volunteers, including 25 divers, snorkelers, on-land volunteers and SUP/kayak teams, for a morning dedicated to protecting Malta's marine environment.

The event, held at Ix-Xatt tal-Birgu near the Birgu Regatta Club, saw divers and snorkelers working beneath the surface to clear the seabed of accumulated waste, while land volunteers cleaned the surrounding coastline. SUP and kayak teams played a key role in transporting the collected rubbish from the sea to shore. Volunteers were also treated to a guided breathing and stretching session led by Yogalex ahead of entering the water.

By the end of the day, the clean-up had removed a total of 2.7 metric tonnes of rubbish from the seabed and surrounding area, marking one of the initiative's most successful editions to date.

The Mayor of Birgu, John Boxall, attended the event in support of the initiative, underlining the importance of community-led action in safeguarding Malta's coastline.

QLZH Foundation CEO Steve Mercieca played an instrumental role in the day's success, taking part alongside the volunteers as he has done throughout the initiative's ten-year history. Steve has long been a passionate advocate for marine conservation and community-driven environmental action, and his continued involvement has been central to the clean-up's growth over the past decade.

"Reaching our 10th edition, and seeing the community come together in these numbers, is incredibly encouraging," said a spokesperson for the organizers. "None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors."

The organisers extended their thanks to this year's sponsors and partners: Dr Juice, Dive Systems, EZ Creations, Visit Malta, BMIT, Laferla Insurance, Red Cross, Transport Malta, Birgu Local Council, Malta Surf Club, Sensi Watersports, VIBE FM, Legacy Ventures, Yogalex, TVS, Insynk and CLA.

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