EU Beach Cleanup 2019, Koh Sak, Pattaya

European Union (EU) Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola led over 150 participants, including diplomats and Thai staff from the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand and public volunteers in a beach clean-up Koh Sak, an island off the coast of Pattaya. While 2019 saw trash clean-ups go viral, this is the second year the EU in Thailand has collaborated with a research team from Mahidol University International College (MUIC) to take on plastic pollution and marine litter.

Testimonial Videos

Public Volunteers

Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola

Dr. Wayne Phillips

Press Coverage

Science applied to removal of plastic pollution on Koh Sak

Nationthailand

European Union (EU) Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola led more than 150 participants, including diplomats and Thai staff from the EU delegation to Thailand as well as members of the public...

The European Union, Mahidol University International College and volunteers join forces...

Khaosod

Koh Sak, Thailand, 13 September 2019 — Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola led more than 150 participants, including diplomats, Thai staff from the EU Delegation and public volunteers...

The EU invites volunteers to clean Koh Sak and raise awareness of plastic pollution

Voicetv

Beach Cleanup 2019 brought volunteers to Koh Sak to learn why single-use plastic affects marine life, coastal communities and the health of the planet.

When marine waste can become part of restoring underwater ecosystems

A Day Magazine

As the world pays closer attention to waste management and single-use plastic reduction, the European Union continues to support cleaner beaches and healthier oceans.

The EU cleans Koh Sak beach

VOICE ONLINE

Billions of pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year. Much of the waste found on beaches is plastic, and a significant share comes from single-use items.

EU Plastics Strategy

This year, the European Union is partnering with the Smurfs and UN Sustainable Development Goals to help boost outreach and awareness around our cause: cleaner and healthier oceans. This action was also aligned with the European Union's global #EUBeachCleanup campaign with close to 80 Delegations and Representations around the world are carrying out this event.

The EU has also linked its clean-ups to global strategies and policy development and has sought to clarify lingering misconceptions some have about the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection. Under the Single-use plastics Directive, single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks and cotton buds will be banned by 2021.