At Surfrider Foundation Europe, we promote our cause through various lobbying efforts at local, national and European levels.
At a time when environmental issues were of little concern to most, Surfrider took a position of protest; the most well known example of this being the « black flag » report. We have since evolved to taking a constructive lobbying stance and are now considered an essential European partner in issues concerning ocean protection.
It is clear that there exists a gap between the use of the European coastline and the legislative sphere which encompasses it.
Our technical skills and our clear understanding of the reality of the situation guarantee that relevant steps will be taken towards finding solutions. We strive to create a bridge between policy makers and the vital interests of coastal protection.
We have forged strategic alliances throughout a European network of legal and communication platform associations. As a result, Surfrider Foundation Europe has become a link between its members and various institutions in order to represent the causes and concerns of civil society.
Our goal is to encourage change within society and its attitudes towards the sustainable protection of the ocean.
The beach clean-up is an educational event in which voluteers help clean up beaches and raise awareness about the problems of waste and pollution. Today, many communities participate in beach clean-ups. In March 2005, the 10th annual clean-up reached record-breaking numbers: 7,700 people signed up and 35,000 people actually participated in the event.
During this same year, Surfrider lobbied and held demonstrations in Brussels and in Strasbourg over water quality regulation. Delegates from our organization met with the President of the European Parliament.
Surfrider raised the alert in the name of all surfers. In response to the "Blue Flag" report, Surfrider published "Black Flags" for the first time ever, highlighting the pollution problems facing the French coastline. Through awareness-raising efforts and the application of pressure, a large number of sanitation projects were executed on the French coast. Proof that well-mobilized efforts can bring about constructive results.
Along with the "Black Flags" project, the lab aims to inform the public on water quality, an issue that has since been taken up by a number of different communities. A great success for Surfrider!
Demonstrations with Surfers Against Sewage in Strasbourg. Submission of a petition with 10,000 signatures to the European Commission in charge of the environment.
Impact on the classification of French beaches for the 2006 season. Participation in the Grenelle campaign based on maritime and coastal causes. Implementation of the Water Framework Directive 200/60/CE. Participation in the preparation of the initiatives program 2007/2008 for the Aquitaine coastal region (confront problems at the source in order to better forecast future threats to the coast).
Impact the classification of French and Portugese beaches for the 2007 season. Monitoring of the Grenelle Law projects on maritime and coastal issues. Involvement in the NGO group to prepare for the French Presidency of the European Union on May 27 and 28 in Paris.
On October 7th, 2009 for the mini plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, Surfrider met with recently elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from all sides to present its programs and spe...
The European Communities Court of Justice has once again sentenced France which came late in passing 2004/35/CE directive about environmental responsibility.
The Erika 3 package to enforce marine safety on European maritime territory has been adopted by the European Union on December 9.
The first reading of the Grenelle law has just been voted by the French national assembly. It will later be examined by the Senate for a final adoption in March 2009. Nonetheless Surfrider is still lo...
Surfrider Foundation Europe has the pleasure to announce it will be one of the official partners of the first edition of the international Forum Biomarine which will take place from October 20th to 24...