Explore, Experience, Enjoy Manilva
Your Dedicated Community Website
Local News
Eco Amigos: Protecting the Costa’s Natural Beauty
In November 2024, a small group of foreign residents in Casares Costa decided to take action against the increasing amount of man-made debris littering their local beaches. Harsh winter storms had deposited large amounts of seaweed along the shore, bringing with it an unwelcome collection of plastic containers, discarded cans, bottle tops, and other non-biodegradable waste. The sight of wet wipes and food packaging scattered across the sand spurred the creation of a dedicated volunteer group: Eco Amigos.
The group’s first clean-up, held near the historic Torre de la Sal in Casares Costa, was a success, inspiring them to organise monthly efforts to tackle the persistent issue of beach pollution. Since then, their mission has gained momentum, drawing in a growing number of enthusiastic volunteers. Today, their Facebook group boasts over 300 members, with participation steadily increasing. Their January clean-up saw the best turnout yet, with 22 volunteers collecting an impressive 41 large bags of rubbish in under two hours.
Image © Eco Amigos
Eco Amigos recently received a generous donation of over €300 from a local business, The Rose & Thistle Pub in Duquesa Port, raised through a charitable quiz. This funding has enabled them to supply volunteers with protective gloves, bin bags, and hand sanitiser, ensuring safe and hygienic clean-ups.
The group targets areas that municipal cleaning machines cannot easily reach, including rocky outcrops and elevated terrain. They also focus on waste discarded along the edges of the A7 motorway, which is at risk of washing into nearby rivers and ultimately the sea. Eco Amigos are committed to tackling more than just surface-level litter, ensuring a thorough clean-up of their beloved coastline.
Eco Amigos’ rapid growth has been remarkable, with volunteers hailing from a variety of nationalities, including Spanish, British, Irish, American, German, French, Australian, Dutch, Mexican, and Czech, among others. Expatriate members, in particular, are eager to contribute to the community that has given them so much joy.
Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Eco Amigos has adjusted its weekend meeting time from 3:30 PM to 11:00 AM to better accommodate Spanish participants, who traditionally have lunch later in the day. Additionally, all updates on their Facebook page are posted in both English and Spanish to encourage broader engagement.
Beyond the environmental benefits, these clean-ups provide a social outlet for members. Volunteers typically work for around an hour and a half before gathering at a local café to enjoy coffee and conversation. This communal aspect has strengthened friendships and fostered a sense of shared responsibility for the local environment.
One of the most heartening developments in the group’s journey has been the participation of local families with young children. Their involvement underscores the importance of educating future generations about the value of environmental stewardship. By engaging children in hands-on conservation efforts, Eco Amigos hopes to instil a lifelong respect for nature and sustainable practices.
As the group continues to grow, they aim to expand their clean-up efforts beyond Casares Costa, tackling other areas in need of attention. In the meantime, they remain focused on protecting their local beaches and drainage areas, ensuring that as much collected waste as possible is recycled.
Eco Amigos welcomes all who wish to contribute to their cause. Those interested in joining can visit the ECO AMIGOS Facebook group and request membership by clicking here. Alternatively, for more information, contact Melissa Vaughn at +34 622 060 488.
By working together, this passionate group of volunteers is making a tangible difference in preserving the natural beauty of Casares Costa. Their efforts serve as an inspiring reminder that small actions, when undertaken collectively, can lead to meaningful change.
Share
Sponsors of LoveManilva.com
A massive thank you to our site sponsors
While we require advertisers to follow best practices and provide accurate information, we publish advertisements in good faith and have not independently verified any claims, products, services, or statements made. LoveManilva.com does not own, control, or take responsibility for the opportunities, website content, products, or services offered by third parties and makes no warranties or representations regarding their accuracy, completeness, legality, performance, or suitability.
We do not accept any liability for any reliance placed on this information by readers or individuals to whom it is made available. We strongly advise conducting your own research before making any decisions regarding agreements or purchases.
© Love Manilva | Privacy Policy