Gibraltar will once again support the annual and global Clean up the World on Saturday 20^th September, with over 20 teams taking part and several others providing essential support. This will be our 21^st year.

We have a great turn-out from schools, clubs, and other educational establishments, as well as support from specialist teams, depts, agencies and some local companies. Long-term team leaders clearly motivate younger generations to take up these important issues to care for our environment and civic pride.

Underwater, cliffs, coastal and reserve areas will see volunteers remove harmful waste, with several urban locations also getting attention. “It’s a sustainable campaign because we can tackle difficult areas together, by pooling resources and volunteers, and making a significant difference to living environments,” says organiser, Janet Howitt, citing Seven Sisters, a boat access only area, getting a good push this year once again with the help of local industry, specialists and services too.

The amount of waste in all modern communities today makes the issue of litter as big a problem as it was when we first started. “The dumping may have been worse then, but the amount of throwaway, disposable and excessive consumption of over packaged goods and foods available today makes controlling litter a major daily challenge.”

Campaigners also look ahead to new facilities to manage our waste more sustainably, which has been another long-term aim. “We consider there to be 4 key aims,” say organisers:

“Aside from awareness, responsible consumption, and modern facilities, we believe enforcement of littering and fly tipping fines, both domestic and commercial, is another major tool that needs to be fully resourced to help change attitudes and foster better instincts!”

ESG thanks the community for its support in the week running up to the Clean-up and willingness to assist, recognising the value the campaign carries for Gibraltar’s environment.

Thanks also to those who have given time and effort to get us to a state of readiness.

​’The ESG has been contacted in recent days by an affected resident in the area of Mons Calpe Mews with concerns over regular fuel spills and air pollution emanating from petrol stations based at Waterport Wharf.  These busy stations service local and foreign boats and turn over a thriving trade.

From what the ESG has learnt in its investigations, it appears such problems are not new and present issues that could definitely improve  if the following measures were implemented without delay:-

• Ensure enforcement of spill control is applicable to both provider and client vessel when spills occur

• Ensure licence standards conform to highest protection vis a vis pollution, containment of product and filters regime used

• Ensure licence also incorporates todays environmental protection standards to protect marine environment, fire and safety control measures and equipment efficiency

• Ensure that regular inspections of facilities take place by licensing authority (GFRS) and the host  Port Authority,  given the considerable demand for fuel from local and foreign vessels and reports received that this is also causing rising air and water pollution in the area this summer.

The ESG recognises the need for such a fuel service but located close to residential estates and our precious marine environment as they are, it should be run to best possible standards with minimal environmental impacts. The ESG has reached out to local environmental bodies on this and will also be contacting other authorities to seek further clarification.’