Mediterranean Responsible: The Project That Has Removed 5,300 Kilograms of Waste from the Mediterranean Sea

TM Real Estate Group, a leading Alicante-based company in residential, hotel, and vacation tourism, specialising in the promotion and construction of homes on the Mediterranean coast and the Caribbean, conducted a total of 45 initiatives in 2024 as part of its "Mediterranean Responsible" project. This project, developed in collaboration with the Spanish Red Cross and the Hippocampus Association, has led to the removal of over 5,300 kilograms of waste from beaches and seabeds in various Mediterranean locations, involving more than 1,600 participants.

The project, initiated in September 2023 with an agreement signed by Mª del Mar Pageo, President of the Spanish Red Cross; José Luis Alcaide, President of the Hippocampus Association; and Ángeles Serna, President of TM Real Estate Group, aims to preserve the Mediterranean Sea through research, awareness, and direct action.

The project is structured around three main pillars:

Research and Knowledge: Studies have been conducted on the types of waste found on beaches and in the sea, following the protocol of the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), along with nearly thirty dives to census the Mediterranean seahorse population, a species at risk of extinction.

Awareness and Sensitisation: Around ten educational workshops have been held for children, youth, and the general public, addressing the issue of marine waste, the role of oceans in the ecosystem, and the importance of the circular economy. Additionally, underwater itineraries have been organised to highlight the value of the fauna and flora of the Mar Menor, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe.

Action and Participation: Various cleaning and recycling days have been organised on different beaches, involving stakeholders from the three collaborating entities. Notably, the Plumbum initiative, a pioneering project for lead decontamination in seabeds, stands out.

Ángeles Serna, President of TM Real Estate Group, emphasised that "the results of the first year of 'Mediterranean Responsible' reinforce our commitment to research, education, and the preservation of the Mediterranean Sea. This line of work aligns with the strategic climate action axis of our Corporate Responsibility Master Plan, which guides our ESG strategy aimed at creating real value for the communities we are present in and their stakeholders. At TM, we are clear that we must continue to drive projects that generate a significant positive environmental, social, and governance impact, and this alliance is achieving that impact."

Meanwhile, María del Mar Pageo Giménez, President of the Spanish Red Cross, stated that "the results of the first year of 'Mediterranean Responsible' reaffirm our commitment to protecting the Mediterranean. We have mobilised hundreds of people in cleaning, awareness, and citizen science activities along the coasts of Málaga, Almería, Alicante, Murcia, and Mallorca.

We have cleaned beaches, characterised waste, and analysed microplastics, but above all, we have increased awareness of the impact of our actions on the marine environment. Citizen participation and Red Cross volunteering have been key to carrying out this project.

This is just the beginning of a journey that requires continuous commitment, cooperation, and a cultural shift towards a more respectful development model for the world we live in. The Spanish Red Cross will continue to strengthen our actions to achieve a cleaner and healthier Mediterranean."

José Luis Alcaide, President of the Hippocampus Association, stressed that "the preservation of marine ecosystems is crucial for the habitats and species that inhabit them. Knowledge and education are fundamental pillars for preserving these environments. We are very proud of the results achieved in this phase of the project, whose success has been made possible by volunteers and collaborators. We must ensure a sustainable future for our seas and oceans. The responsibility lies with everyone."