Country: Brazil

Site: Praia de Taquaras (beach)

Target: Local community and residents; local schools and students; university.

Short Description

he "Rocky Coasts of Balneário Camboriú" project, initiated in 2021 by the Environmental Secretariat of Balneário Camboriú in partnership with the University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), focuses on cleaning and raising awareness about the rocky coasts in the municipality. The project involves:

Waste Collection and Analysis: the project systematically collects, quantifies, and qualifies waste from 13 rocky coasts, both above and below water. Over 15,000 items totaling 1.2 tons were collected, with plastics, styrofoam, glass, ceramics, and fishing gear being the most common.
Educational Outreach: an educational booklet, "Rocky Coasts of Balneário Camboriú: Their Attributes and Problems with Waste," was published to highlight the ecological, scenic, and cultural significance of these coasts. This booklet, along with lectures by oceanographers and biologists, will be distributed to municipal public schools and used in environmental education activities.
Public Engagement and Future Actions: The booklet and lectures aim to inform the local community about the importance of the rocky coasts and encourage scientific discussions on marine litter. The project also proposes actions to combat waste, including legislative proposals.

This initiative demonstrates a comprehensive approach to waste management and environmental education, engaging both local schools and the broader community.