Between 2021 and 2024, a total of 298,000 pieces of waste were recorded on 192 Greek beaches, according to a WWF report.
This means that none of the beaches “adopted” by volunteer groups across the country through the “Adopt a Beach” program meet the minimum standard of 20 pieces of waste per 100 meters to be considered “clean,” as defined by the relevant European directive. In the 2023-2024 period, the average amount of waste on Greek beaches was 464 per 100 meters.
The vast majority of this waste is plastic (83%), including cigarette butts, plastic caps, foam pieces, plastic bottles, bags, and more.
The “Adopt a Beach” program, which has been running since 2021, has mobilized 173 volunteer groups that have “adopted” 192 beaches and carried out 434 cleaning activities.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has engaged 173 volunteer groups across the country, leading to the adoption of 192 beaches and 434 waste collection and recording actions.
In 2023, the program expanded to Turkey and Tunisia, with support from WWF’s national offices in these countries. In 2024, Italy, another Mediterranean country, joined the initiative.
The plastic pollution situation in the Mediterranean is also concerning. Data from 469 records across 338 beaches (2023-2024) showed that 83% of all waste was plastic, with glass, metal, and paper following in much smaller quantities.
