International Beach Day, what does it mean and what should we do during this month and every day?

What could be better on a beach with a pleasant climate than lying in a cozy hammock? It is one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. And the beauty of this natural treasure is that it exists almost everywhere in the world. But some of our beaches are getting polluted and need our help.

Hence, in September, World Beach Day is celebrated, in order to raise awareness among the population about the conservation of marine spaces and the environment.

Whether you like family beaches, secluded ones, or surfing beaches, they all join the global celebration this September 18.

In some countries, various festivities are prepared, such as going surfing, building sandcastles, beach cleaning, alternative therapies, in short, any activity that involves maintaining these sites that constitute one of the few places where you can enjoy with the family , friends, partner and, why not, alone.

This event was created in 1991 at the initiative of The Ocean Conservancy, whose origin is based on the international coastal cleanup campaign called International Coastal CleanUp, which is celebrated in more than 150 countries. This day raises awareness about the beauty of the beaches, while calling attention to keep them safe and clean always.

main threats

The specialists describe the five main threats to beaches around the world. Even a quick review of these threats suggests a strategy to deal with beach degradation and loss. It is no surprise that a comprehensive long-term beach protection strategy requires significant changes to our economic system, a system that has overfished and polluted beaches to the point where they have become unhealthy places to swim or even play in the sand.

1. Physical alteration of the natural shoreline. Overdevelopment of the shoreline with miles and miles of high-rise buildings can cause pollution and, when threatened by storms, create demand for levees. If demand is met and levees are built, they eventually end up destroying the beach, the very asset that drew visitors in the first place.
2. Polluted stormwater system of urban areas and malfunctioning sewage plants. Millions of people around the world become ill due to contact with untreated sewage on beaches from overflowing local sewers. Most illnesses are minor, but some are very serious.
3. Contaminated sand. Scientific literature indicates that beach sand is more polluted than adjacent waters. The researchers found that fecal bacteria exist on certain beaches.
4. Unsound practices and inappropriate uses. Driving on beaches and extracting sand from them can destroy wildlife habitat, affect the natural productivity of the coast and ruin tourism.
5. Beach engineering after weather disasters. Some scientists have discovered that when beaches erode, seawalls tend to destroy the beach by causing the sand to disappear into the deeper waters offshore.

Meaning of International Beach Day

The beaches are those places loved by many for various reasons. Giving access to the salt water of the oceans or the fresh water of the lakes, beaches provide the opportunity for many healthy and fun outdoor activities, such as swimming; various types of water sports, such as surfing or snorkeling; have a picnic, build sandcastles, play volleyball or other sports, or simply enjoy some lazy time in the sun on the beach with due precautions to protect your skin.

Along with all the recreational activities that a beach offers, it is also a place to relax and refresh your mind by doing things like exercises, yoga, meditation, etc. So, it is also a place of silence, yes, as long as it is not too crowded, or at least any empty place on the beach. In addition, it also gives us a majestic view of our ocean, which during sunset becomes even more beautiful.

But over the times it is also seen that because the beaches get too crowded, it is often found that some beaches lack clean management and maintenance. And many incidents of violence and harassment also sometimes take place on the beaches, making them unfavorable for people. Therefore, all these problems must be solved, and this is the main goal of this day.

All of this also encourages people to come to the beaches and have a good time there, but on the condition that they keep the beaches clean and safe, thus promoting beach culture as well. In addition, it also encourages the betterment of the coastal community that lives there, mostly fishermen, since their livelihood depends on it.

What else can be done

1. Host a beach party by inviting all your friends over for a moment. What you do at a party is up to you and the interests of your friends. They can have water sports competitions, organize a barbecue on the beach and you can even play other sports.
2. You can also volunteer to help and maintain the beaches. And yes, you can do it directly through the beach authorities or by working for any organization that deals with the maintenance and cleaning of the beaches.
3. If not, you can also play your role in managing and maintaining the beaches by making a donation to a charity or foundation that raises funds for the purpose of cleaning and maintaining the beaches.