The National Rural Network has joined the Libera Project—created by SEO/BirdLife in partnership with Ecoembes—through the #MiPuebloSinBasuraleza campaign. The goal is to highlight our towns and natural and rural environments and encourage all residents and visitors to enjoy national tourism responsibly .

This summer, rural tourism is expected to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, as is usual during the summer, many residents head to their hometowns for vacations. However, although it's a time to relax, at this time of year we must remain vigilant about keeping our natural spaces clean.

Data on “litter”

Every year, millions of tons of waste are dumped in nature. Specifically, 80% of the waste that reaches the ocean comes from land. According to data from the "litter" report, the accumulation of microplastics in land environments could be between four and 23 times greater than in the oceans.

The landscapes and natural environments that surround us are the hallmark of our communities , and as part of them, we are all responsible for caring for and preserving them. Therefore, in order to continue advancing toward a waste-free nature, the National Rural Network joins the LIBERA Project, transmitting the messages of its awareness-raising campaigns. Likewise, the National Rural Network provides Local Action Groups and rural stakeholders affiliated with the Network with the institutional support they need to develop activities that promote environmental conservation and raise awareness about the abandonment of waste in natural environments.

“Administrations play a fundamental role in raising public awareness. At the LIBERA Project, we want to be an agent of change in the fight against litter, showing that we all have a responsibility to our immediate surroundings and that we must raise awareness to care for and preserve them,” notes Sara Güemes, Ecoembes coordinator of the LIBERA Project.

LIBERA Project

LIBERA is a project created by SEO/BirdLife in partnership with Ecoembes. Its objective is to raise awareness and mobilize citizens to keep natural spaces free of litter. To this end, LIBERA proposes solutions based on knowledge, prevention, and participation to minimize its environmental impact. Through these actions, it contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4, 13, 14, 15, and 17 .

Since its launch, LIBERA has collaborated with more than 860 organizations and groups, including the CSIC, the Queen Sofia Foundation, the DGT, Paisaje Limpio, and Vertidos Cero, becoming a pioneering project that seeks to raise awareness among all audiences.

More information at https://proyectolibera.org/