On the upcoming 21st of September, Vila do Conde will be the stage for the second edition of the MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup, an initiative that aims to combine environmental preservation with the contemplation of the night sky.

The event, which celebrates World Cleanup Day and is part of the European Climate Pact and EU Beach Cleanup initiatives, begins at 4 p.m. and invites the public to join in a beach cleanup action and multidisciplinary activities focused on environmental awareness. This initiative is part of the European H2020 MAELSTROM project, which develops innovative technologies for the removal of marine litter, already implemented in Portugal and Italy.

The initiative is organised by the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Vila do Conde City Council, CMIA Vila do Conde, Counting Stars, and the CIMA Research Foundation. It counts also with the support of a wide network of institutional partners, including the Portuguese Plastics Pact, the Portuguese Marine Litter Association, the University of Malta, the Mar de Experiências project, Águas do Norte, UNIFARDAS, Focus On Critical Action (FOCA), and DOCAPESCA.

The meeting point will be in front of the Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation Centre (CMIA) of Vila do Conde, on Avenida Marquês Sá da Bandeira.

After the cleanup, which will last until late afternoon, participants will be welcomed with a snack at 7p.m., followed by an entertaining programme dedicated to marine litter and microplastics. The evening will conclude with a cosmic walk led by the Counting Stars team, a group of astronomers and astrophotographers who will provide a stargazing session, inviting attendees to rediscover the wonders of the cosmos.

The MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup is part of the World Cleanup Day celebrations, a global action that mobilises over 190 countries to emphasise the urgent need to rethink our environmental impact and the necessity of protecting the oceans for future generations.

In order to guarantee everyone, the best possible experience, participation in the event is subject to prior registration until September 19th through the LINK.

Please check the Press Release for more information about this event.