CELEBRATION
ReCII does World Clean-Up Day, Ibiza - 2025
Platja des riu de Santa Eularia Beach Clean:
Rotary Meets Preservation
Images: © Ibiza Preservation (thank you)
On Saturday 20 September 2025, members of Rotary eClub Ibiza International (ReCII) rolled up their sleeves alongside Ibiza Preservation for a hands-on beach clean at Platja des riu de Santa Eularia – the small river that flows into the sea at Santa Eulària.
The collaboration brought together volunteers, visitors, and one of the island’s leading sustainability organisations in a shared mission: to protect Ibiza’s fragile environment.
Nicole Bruder, the ReCII project leader who inspired members to take part, explained her motivation:
“In recent years sustainability topics have become a regular presence in the island’s media. NGOs like Ibiza Preservation are raising awareness about the urgent need to protect the island’s nature, which is under high human pressure due to the huge number of tourists each year. I wanted to give ReCII members the chance to act in person, working with the biggest sustainability NGO on the island.”
Why Platja des riu de Santa Eularia?
The location was selected by Ibiza Preservation’s environmental expert, Jordi Salewski. Santa Eulària is one of the island’s fastest-growing areas. At first glance its beach appears well maintained, yet hidden among the posidonia – the protected seagrass meadows vital to Ibiza’s marine ecosystem – and at the river mouth, litter and plastics accumulate.
The Day’s Findings
Over 475 objects were collected across a 150-metre stretch of beach. Among the most shocking discoveries were more than 300 cigarette butts – on a non-smoking beach. Plastics, often concealed beneath the sea grass, were also abundant, a reminder that much of the waste arrives from the sea itself.
“Every participant worked with focus and determination,” Nicole recalled. “As the morning went on, a strong group spirit developed as people shared what they found.”
Community in Action
The sense of collaboration went beyond the volunteers. Beach visitors watched, some offering empty bottles to the group, and a few even joined in spontaneously. Nicole described the atmosphere: “All the groups worked together – it felt like one entire team. We had a lot of fun.”
Afterwards, the team gathered at Word of Mouth in Santa Eulària, who kindly hosted them with coffee, tea, and refreshing drinks.
Lessons for Ibiza
For Nicole, the clean-up highlighted the importance of human connections behind environmental initiatives:
“NGOs on the island and the ayuntamientos – the local town councils – are not just names. You need to see the people behind them. Every team member is special, and by connecting, we build a deeper understanding. The collaboration with Ibiza Preservation felt like spending time with good friends. For ReCII, it’s important not only to raise funds but also to participate directly in action. It strengthens our bond with the island and its community.”
Looking Ahead
This event is just the beginning. Ibiza Preservation is expected to present the results at the upcoming Ibiza Professionals Networking Event at the end of October. Future activities could involve more educational elements, such as visits to Can Putxa – the island’s central waste management and recycling plant – with local pupils, or creative projects combining sustainability with zero waste art and sports.
The message is clear: small actions, shared widely, can build community while protecting the island we call home.
Mentioned in the article:
Ibiza Professionals Networking Event
23rd October 2025
Ses Escoles
See ReCII.org for details