Surfrider Foundation Europe, based in France, led a campaign this summer of providing a venue for all to voice their concerns, undermining the powerlessness of individual action. With strength through numbers, 2800 more people have joined the organization, thus supporting the values we have promoted for 20 years. We now number almost 8000 members, an increase of 35%!
With more than 100 days of action on the coast, from the Var, crossing the Bouches du Rhône, the Basque country, the Landes, the Gironde, the Morbihan, and the Finistère we’ve added to our exposure in the public real some 560, 000 people!
Campaign: « Respect the Sea »! This traveling campaign left Marseille on June 15 to finish in Brest on September 26, the location of our two branch offices.
The organization brings together people concerned with protecting the ocean and who want to enjoy bathing without risk of eye or ear infections, diarrhea…This campaign touched 28,000 people who use the ocean and who have a vested interest in ensuring clean waters: swimmers, divers, sailboarders, recreational fishers and boaters, all share the same issues. These in addition to the tourism sector, including vendors of bathing suits who cannot afford beach closures due to pollution.
Why demonstrations? First, to speak with the voice of unity, and second, to bring our message to the highest level: the European Parliament.
Patrick Astruc, Campaign Manager
translated by: Dan McDonald
