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HELMEPA Volunteer Cleanups: HELMEPA’s initiative, built on 43 years of experience in environmental awareness, engages citizens across Greece to actively protect the marine and coastal environment.

HELMEPA Volunteer Cleanups: HELMEPA’s initiative, built on 43 years of experience in environmental awareness, engages citizens across Greece to actively protect the marine and coastal environment.
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Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA)

For four decades, HELMEPA has been a leader in the protection of the marine and coastal environment, safety at sea and sustainability, with multidimensional activity in Greece and abroad. HELMEPA has evolved into an open, resilient and participatory platform that cultivates environmental awareness, knowledge share, volunteering, collaboration and action with positive and measurable impact on marine health.

 

Through a participatory network of communities, 255,000+ volunteers have organized cleanup activities, 450,000+ children have visited HELMEPA’s environmental exhibitions, and many have grown up with the message of the iconic Seagull. HELMEPA has a Certified Maritime Training Center, equipped with a Bridge Simulator that has trained 22,000+ seafarers-members.

 

2022 is a milestone year HELMEPA celebrating its 40th anniversary since the Association’s founding with 40 anniversary activities in Greece.


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Objective Action

HELMEPA’s initiative for coastal and underwater cleanups works to protect our oceans by actively engaging citizens and collecting valuable scientific data. Since 1983, HELMEPA has mobilized volunteers across Greece, raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable waste management.

Using a citizen science approach, the initiative allows participants to actively document and analyze debris along coasts and underwater. With tools like the Marine Debris Tracker app, the program gains a scientific dimension, improving understanding of marine pollution and its sources.

At the same time, HELMEPA aims to encourage a new generation of engaged citizens, involving students, schools, and local communities. The initiative has a dual purpose: immediate environmental action and lasting behavioral change through education and awareness.

Finally, the initiative seeks to systematically monitor marine pollution in Greece and strengthen collaboration with international organizations, ensuring that the collected data supports policy-making and promotes effective solutions at national and European levels.

 

Target Audience

HELMEPA’s initiative engages a wide and diverse audience, aiming to mobilize all social groups around the protection of the marine environment.

Specifically, it targets:

  • Citizens of all ages who wish to actively participate in cleanup activities and contribute to the protection of coasts and seabeds.
  • Students and educators, by integrating clean-up actions into school environmental programs, enhancing hands-on learning and ecological awareness.
  • Volunteer groups and associations seeking opportunities for social contribution and action.
  • Local authorities and port services, collaborating to organize and support clean-up activities.
  • Businesses and organizations looking to implement CSR initiatives with meaningful impact.
  • Scientific institutions and researchers, who use the data collected during cleanups to support studies and policies addressing marine pollution.

HELMEPA’s approach is inclusive and interactive, fostering participation through educational materials, data collection tools, and partnerships, with the goal of building a community of active citizens dedicated to safeguarding our seas.

 

Duration

From 1983 to the present time (43 years).


Description

HELMEPA’s initiative for coastal and underwater cleanups is a systematic and scientifically grounded action that combines environmental awareness with active citizen participation. Its implementation is guided by the need to prevent and address marine pollution through collective action and the production of reliable data.

HELMEPA serves as the national coordinator for two international initiatives: the International Coastal Cleanup every autumn since 1991, and the “Let’s Clean Europe” Campaign every spring since 2014. The cleanup program is structured around two main pillars: the Hands-on Coastal Cleanup Action, which allows groups to organize a single, measurable cleanup event, and the Marine Debris Monitoring Program, which requires a three-year beach adoption commitment and combines cleaning with systematic, seasonal research.

These activities go beyond waste removal, incorporating a citizen science approach through the documentation of debris using the Marine Debris Tracker app. In this way, every volunteer becomes a data collector, contributing to a better understanding of the composition and sources of marine litter.

The initiative is implemented through a structured model that includes:

  • Provision of educational and support materials for participants
  • Collaboration with schools, municipalities, port authorities, companies, and NGOs
  • Enhancing participation through awareness campaigns and social media outreach
  • Analysis and publication of results to strengthen transparency and public awareness

Key features of the initiative include:

  • Longevity: Since 1983, HELMEPA has mobilized over 450,000 volunteers.
  • Scientific basis: Collection and analysis of data on marine pollution.
  • Educational dimension: Integration into school programs and hands-on learning.
  • Networking and partnerships: Collaboration with over 500 organizations and international bodies.
  • Innovation: Use of digital tools and apps for debris tracking.
  • Symbolism and identity: Always supported by the HELMEPA Seagull, which since the founding of the Association conveys the timeless message: “No Garbage, No Plastics in seas and on beaches.” A message that has inspired generations and become a symbol of environmental responsibility in Greece.

HELMEPA’s initiative stands as a model action that unites environmental responsibility, scientific approach, and social participation, creating tangible impact both nationally and internationally.


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Impact on Society

HELMEPA’s initiative has achieved significant and measurable results, both environmentally and socially, demonstrating consistent impact over time.

Cumulative results since the launch of cleanups (1983–2024):

  • 450,000 volunteers have participated in cleanup activities
  • 5,031 actions have been carried out across Greece
  • 1,008 tons of waste have been removed from coasts and seabeds
  • 2,299 km of coastline have been cleaned

Results for 2024:

  • 316 coastal and underwater cleanup actions
  • 15,405 volunteers actively participated
  • 27.5 tons of waste were removed
  • 78 km of coastline were cleaned

Impact on the public:

  • Enhanced environmental awareness: Participants gain hands-on experience and become more conscious of protecting the marine environment.
  • Education and engagement of the next generation: School and University students participate in activities linked to their educational and citizen science processes.
  • Strengthening social cohesion: Collaborative action brings together citizens of different ages and professional backgrounds around a common purpose.
  • Generation of scientific data: Using the Marine Debris Tracker app, types and sources of debris are recorded, contributing to the scientific documentation of marine pollution.
  • International visibility and collaboration: Results are shared with international organizations such as UNEP/MAP, Ocean Conservancy, and the European Environment Agency, highlighting Greece as a country with active citizens and environmental initiatives.

HELMEPA’s action stands as a model of participatory environmental intervention, delivering lasting and meaningful impact on both society and the natural environment.



Initiative Location

The initiative takes place across beaches, coastlines, seabeds, riverbanks, lakeshores, forests, and parks throughout Greece, with no geographical limitations.


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Working with Organization

The success of HELMEPA’s initiative relies on a broad network of partnerships with organizations from various sectors, enhancing the effectiveness, reach, and sustainability of its actions.

Specifically, HELMEPA collaborates with:

  • International organizations such as UNEP/MAP, Ocean Conservancy, and the European Environment Agency, aiming to exchange expertise and utilize collected data at European and global levels.
  • Educational institutions and schools, integrating cleanup activities into environmental education programs and encouraging the participation of the next generation.
  • Local authorities and port services, supporting implementation in terms of infrastructure, permits, and local mobilization.
  • Companies and organizations, within the framework of Corporate Social Responsibility, actively engaging their staff and providing material support for the activities.
  • Non-governmental organizations and environmental associations, with whom HELMEPA co-organizes actions and shares best practices.

This collaborative approach strengthens cross-sector engagement, fosters synergies, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the initiative.


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Workers Participation

Volunteer engagement is at the heart of HELMEPA’s initiative. Since 1983, the Association has mobilized over 450,000 volunteers across Greece.

During 2024, 316 coastal and underwater cleanup activities were carried out, involving 15,405 volunteers who removed 27.5 tons of waste from 78 km of coastline.

Employee participation from HELMEPA’s member companies is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, fostering teamwork, environmental awareness, and social contribution.

The initiative also promotes intergenerational involvement, bringing together volunteers of all ages—from students and university pupils to company employees and ordinary citizens—creating a community of active citizens dedicated to the common good.


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Benefits for Οrganization

HELMEPA’s coastal and underwater cleanup initiative has delivered multiple, strategically significant benefits, strengthening its mission, visibility, and influence at both national and international levels.

1. Strengthening HELMEPA’s Mission and Social Role

The initiative reinforces HELMEPA’s role as a catalyst for environmental awareness and citizen engagement, putting its vision for clean seas and beaches into practice through active societal participation.

2. Scientific Credibility and Validation

Data collection through the Marine Debris Tracker app and participation in programs such as the Marine Debris Monitoring Program provide a scientific foundation for the initiative, enhancing HELMEPA’s credibility as an organization that combines volunteer action with evidence-based knowledge.

3. Networking and Partnerships

The initiative has strengthened existing collaborations and created new ones with international organizations (UNEP/MAP, Ocean Conservancy, European Environment Agency), as well as with public and private stakeholders in Greece, expanding HELMEPA’s network and sphere of influence.

4. Enhanced Visibility

The dissemination of cleanup results through media coverage and social media has strengthened HELMEPA’s public image as an organization with tangible and measurable impact.

5. Internal Engagement and Participation

The initiative provides opportunities for active involvement and mobilization of HELMEPA members—including companies, organizations, and schools—reinforcing their engagement with the Association’s shared values.

6. Strengthened Funding Opportunities

HELMEPA’s well-documented and long-standing activities represent a strong advantage in attracting funding and participating in co-financed programs at both national and European levels.




Connection with Global Goals







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