Our partner: Clean Ocean Project

Clean Ocean Project was founded in 2002 on the island of Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands, with a clear mission: to protect the ocean and local coastlines.

Since then, the organisation has been developing solutions and running campaigns to tackle plastic pollution, fight oil drilling, and push back against harmful coastal development.

It describes its work as ocean activism, which includes educational programs, clean-up efforts, and advocacy for sustainable alternatives that protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

What is the mission and long-term vision of the Clean Ocean Project?

Clean Ocean Project believes that everyone is part of the problem — and part of the solution. This has been the approach since the beginning.

Instead of pointing fingers and waiting for someone else to act, all initiatives focus on solution-based actions and on ways to encourage people to take part in creating change.

What kind of projects does the Clean Ocean Project offer?

The best way to contribute as a visitor is by doing your own beach cleanup using one of our 35 Playa Pallets — wooden beach bins made from recycled materials — placed across Fuerteventura.

Each bin helps remove about one ton of waste annually. Another direct way to contribute is by visiting one of our stores or by making a donation, helping us continue our operations.

Check out their documentary!

How does the work of the Clean Ocean Project engage with the local communities?

Clean Ocean Project has always focused on local impact and site-specific issues.

The latest campaign, initiated in 2020, aimed to stop the construction of an industrial harbour that would have had devastating consequences for the local ecosystem and the waves in Corralejo.

This campaign has helped mobilise the local community and unite NGOs across the Canary Islands and globally to prevent this disaster. The battle is not over, but the resistance has made a significant impact: construction has been halted and will most likely not proceed

What are the main challenges the Clean Ocean Project is facing?

Besides the global challenges of plastic pollution and overconsumption, the main challenge for the NGO is financial funding.

Increased funding would enable the organization to hire more skilled staff to run operations and ensure that all existing projects achieve their maximum impact.

How can people best support the Clean Ocean Project?

Supporting the Clean Ocean Project with a monthly donation helps us plan ahead and maximize our long-term impact.

If you’re visiting Fuerteventura, we encourage you to stop by our shops, where we offer sustainable brands and zero-waste alternatives — all while raising funds to support our NGO’s work.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with our events and beach cleanups.

Donate now!