On a sunny Saturday in Rijeka, Kostrena, Back to Blu brought people together for a community beach cleanup. The initiative was part of World Cleanup Day, a global movement uniting over 180 countries in the shared mission to create a cleaner planet.
The event united partners from across the shipping and academic sectors, including the Association of Ship Brokers and Agents of Croatia, Adriatic Ship Supply Agency, Express Global, Sailing Club Galeb Kostrena, and the Faculty of Management in Tourism and Hospitality in Opatija. Together, we raised awareness about marine pollution and promoted practical, sustainable ways to preserve our coastline.
A shared start to something bigger
The 2021 cleanup marked one of the first major community actions under the Back to Blu name, and it showed how powerful collaboration can be. Colleagues from shipping, logistics, education, and local sailing clubs came together with a single goal: to take responsibility for the coastline they all depend on.
Across four beaches, volunteers worked side by side, collecting litter, sorting waste, and sharing stories about how simple actions at sea and on shore can protect marine life. For many, it was their first cleanup experience, and the day became less about the rubbish itself and more about what it represented: a growing movement built on awareness, cooperation, and care.
Community effort and shared learning
To recognise their efforts, every participant received Back to Blu T-shirt made from organic cotton and enjoyed a meal prepared by the Liburnia team.
Our ambassador Klara Mladenić also led an engaging talk on the harmful effects of plastic on the environment, a reminder that awareness and education are key to lasting change.
“When people understand the impact of something as small as a cigarette butt, they start to see how powerful small actions can be,” Klara shared.
Collective action for cleaner seas
With more than 50 million volunteers in 180 countries, World Cleanup Day shows what’s possible when communities unite for a common goal. Our 2021 cleanup was a small but meaningful part of that global wave: proof that change always begins locally, with people who care.
We thank every volunteer and partner who joined us. See you at the next cleanup – because protecting the sea is not a one-day act, but a shared responsibility.
