The Unseen Crisis: Marine Pollution and Community Responsibility
A Shocking Discovery
A recent discovery off the coast of Fuerteventura—a dead cow—has reignited a conversation about a more pressing issue: the countless tons of trash that wash up on beaches every year. This incident, while unusual, has drawn significant media attention, prompting discussions on marine pollution. Alina Kunz, a spokesperson for the Limpiaventura association, addressed these concerns on the program ‘Herrera en COPE Fuerteventura’ with host Marta Patallo.
Kunz expressed her shock upon seeing the image of the deceased animal. “The cow deeply impacted me,” she shared, admitting that she hesitated to share the image on social media due to its unsettling nature. Although this type of finding is rare, she reminded viewers that it has happened before, such as in the instance when a 500-kilo bull was discovered on the coast of La Oliva. However, Kunz emphasized that the most pernicious threats to marine life are often the ones we cannot see.
The Invisible Dangers
Kunz pointed out that while visible tragedies captivate public attention, the invisible threats—such as microplastics—pose a far greater risk. “Microplastics are much more dangerous than what you can see,” she explained, highlighting the often-overlooked impacts of pollution. Following the gruesome discovery, the association followed protocol by alerting relevant authorities such as the City Council, the Cabildo, and GESPLAN, the public company responsible for wildlife removal.
A Decade of Environmental Stewardship
Since its inception in 2015, Limpiaventura has been at the forefront of cleaning efforts along the Majorera coast. “We’ve been cleaning the beaches at least once a week, and our efforts translate into staggering figures,” Kunz explained. In 2022 alone, they managed to collect nearly 20 tons of waste. The organization now weighs the trash they collect—not just to monitor their impact but to raise awareness of the magnitude of the problem.
Recently, at Roque del Moro Beach, a dedicated group of 10 to 15 volunteers gathered to remove 1,480 kilos of waste in just three hours. Despite the grueling nature of their work and the overwhelming sense that “we haven’t done enough,” the tangible results affirm that their efforts are worthwhile.
Global Waste: A Broader Perspective
Kunz noted that it’s a misconception to blame beachgoers for all the trash on the shore. “The majority of waste originates from the fishing industry, transport ships, cruise liners, and other industrial activities,” she clarified. One such example includes plastic pellets, small particles used in manufacturing that are found in the sand by the millions.
This pollution knows no boundaries, as evidenced by a recent find: a piece of Japanese debris. It reinforces the philosophy of Limpiaventura: “You’re acting locally, but thinking globally,” reiterating the idea that the goal is to cleanse the marine environment—not just the beach.
Rethinking Tourism
In the face of uncontrolled tourism, Kunz advocates for a shift in the narrative. “We can’t bite the hand that feeds us; instead, we educate it,” she affirmed. One of her suggestions includes placing informational panels at the airport with guidance on responsible behavior, although she maintains that tourists are not the primary source of littering. As an entrepreneur, she integrates this philosophy into her language school by having her German students participate in beach clean-ups as part of their Spanish curriculum, effectively making them “part of the solution.”
Educational Initiatives for Future Generations
Kunz believes that a long-term solution to environmental issues lies in education. Therefore, Limpiaventura is re-engaging with schools after the pandemic hiatus. They are organizing an event at Antoñito Alfarero School in Corralejo for 7-year-old children. “We can plant a seed through our example,” she argued, convinced that teaching environmental responsibility from a young age is imperative.
Working with children is at the heart of Limpiaventura’s mission. Through engaging activities like a theater production involving a turtle seeking help against the “plastic zombies,” kids become heroes of the narrative. “Children have an innate desire to help,” she shared with enthusiasm. They arrive eager, shouting “I want to save a turtle!” For Kunz, caring for the planet transcends barriers, and she dreams of uniting generations in this crucial mission.
Collaborative Efforts Yield Results
The ongoing commitment of Limpiaventura is beginning to pay off. Kunz recounted how beaches that were once “true garbage dumps,” such as an area near Jablito, are now maintained with periodic clean-ups. Such progress has been possible through collaboration, exemplified by the purchase of a 4×4 vehicle funded by local businesses, a city council, and the association itself. As Kunz aptly concludes, “together, we are stronger.”
