Vila Galé Beach Cleaning
About this good practice
Before the start of the bathing season and at the end of the bathing season, cleanups of the beach surrounding the hotel are organized.
This activity arises, taking into account 3 main objectives:
1. Awareness of the participants (Employees and Customers) on the subject of waste on beaches;
2. Beach cleaning;
3. Participation of the unit in safeguarding the environment that surrounds it.
The objectives are achieved, ensuring the realization of the activity. The main partners and beneficiaries of this good practice, are the users of the beach, the participants of the activity and the local community.
The existing space is initially subject to the elimination of exotic weeds, which prevent the proper development of the dune system surrounding the mouth of the river Gilão/Ria Formosa. The species identified as weeds, not suitable for the existing primary dune system are: Acacia sp; Retama monosperma; Agave americana; among others.
It is important to emphasize that this intervention safeguards the native species that are also present on-site, including: Pinus pinea; Helychrisum stoechas; Sueda vera; among others.
After this process, this whole area is cleaned and removed all the waste deposited here, with a significant incidence at the level of plastics.
Resources needed
The funding of the good practice is private; Costs usually involve thematic T-shirts; Bags; Trash collecting tweezers.
Evidence of success
Amount and type of waste that is collected from a natural environment. This year (2022) between waste (nets, plastic bottles, bags, tires, packaging, etc.) approximately 450 kg was collected.
Potential for learning or transfer
In the case of Vila Galé, we develop this activity in different units, namely in our Eco-Hotel Vila Galé Albacora (Algarve, Portugal); Eco-Resort Vila Galé Angra dos Reis (Brazil); Eco-Resort Vila Galé Cabo (Brazil).
These actions have started in Portugal, but are already adapted to Brazilian hotels. This shows how big the potential of the transfer of this Good Practice, not only among hotels but to other activities. Public authorities can support these actions.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.