To raise awareness of small ecological gestures among boaters in ports, associations have been running the “Écogestes Méditerranée” campaign since 2017. Local activists, close to harbourmasters’ offices and yachtsmen to encourage everyone to do a little better to protect the sea.
Every year since 2017, they’ve been on all fronts: behind stands, on pontoons, sometimes even at sea. Activists from local associations working for a global project: protecting the Mediterranean. In the Gard region, the Label Bleu association works at Port-Camargue, in Le Grau-du-Roi.
In pairs, the activists walk the docks of the port, engaging with boaters. Recognizable by their green t-shirts, they catch the eye. And indeed, the boaters recognize them. Some have already seen them behind the booths that Label Bleu sets up during port events.
Christian, for example, who is part of the Port-Camargue Boaters’ Defense Association (ADPPC), has already spoken with Label Bleu during a breakfast organized by the port. He is already aware of eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, which he also promotes through the ADPPC.
Talking and Advising
Other boaters are learning more about these practices. This is the purpose of the rounds: to take the time to chat. Éloïse Détrez, who leads the initiative, and her colleague Maëlyn Berthon, a civic service volunteer, always start with a questionnaire.
Do you recycle? What products do you use to clean your boat? How do you prevent fuel spills when refueling? These are the typical questions asked by the two members of Label Bleu.
Michel joins in the conversation. He does well on several points, but he admits that there’s still room for improvement. He appreciates this moment of exchange with the two young women, as it allows him to learn « a lot of things. »
« It’s important that we can interact with people who can have a direct impact on the sea and also advise them on how they can ‘do better,' » explains Éloïse Détrez.
She also informs Michel that he can use this opportunity to pass along any requests to the port, as they are there for that as well. A discussion goes both ways.
« Boaters have every interest in protecting the Mediterranean »
Boaters are at the heart of the Écogestes Méditerranée campaign because their small actions, when added together, make a difference.
« These are people who directly ‘enjoy’ the sea, so they have every reason to protect it, » believes Éloïse Détrez. « If they see plastic waste, foam, or hydrocarbons around them, it will impact the pleasure they get from going to sea. »
Even though there is still work to be done. As they leave their rounds, Éloïse Détrez and Maëlyn Berthon notice traces of hydrocarbons under a boat. They form an oil slick that floats on the surface.
Éloïse Détrez sighs but remains calm: « Unfortunately, I’m used to it. » This also motivates her to continue her fight: « Of course, we want to see these stains decrease over time. »
Label Bleu’s Éloïse Détrez (left) and Maëlyn Berthon start their first marauding run of the day. Radio France – Laura Blairet
Éloïse Détrez and Maëlyn Berthon, from the Label Bleu association, interview Michel, a Port-Camargue boater, about his habits © Radio France – Laura Blairet
The “maraudes” enable us to gather information on boaters’ habits, as well as informing them about the right thing to do. Radio France – Laura Blairet
Source: Ici
