“Nature is the only book that offers valuable content on every page.”
— Miguel Delibes
🌬️ Marine Plastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Challenge
Marine plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. More than 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, affecting over 800 marine species. In Europe, 70% of marine litter comes from single-use plastic products (European Commission, 2023).
At Begi Bistan, a company specialized in ecotourism and environmental education on the Basque Coast, we witness this reality every day: during beach clean-ups, educational workshops with school groups, or guided interpretive walks along the Flysch of Zumaia, the sea speaks to us. It’s time we listen.
⚖️ Environmental Legislation in Europe and Beyond: Toward a Blue Economy
The European Union is implementing increasingly ambitious regulations to reduce plastic use and promote a circular economy. The new 2025/40 Regulation on Packaging and Waste promotes reuse, recycling, and eco-design. In addition, measures are being strengthened to combat microplastics and plastic pellets in maritime transport.
Meanwhile, over 170 countries are currently negotiating an international treaty aimed at regulating plastics throughout their life cycle, from production to disposal (Global Plastic Treaty, 2024).
These efforts are paving the way for a blue economy, in which the sea becomes a driver of sustainable development. Within this context, educational ecotourism like that offered by Begi Bistan in the Basque Country plays a key role.
🌱 Educating to Transform: Lifelong Learning
At Begi Bistan, we believe that environmental education is not limited to the classroom — it is a continuous mindset and way of engaging with the world.
Through hands-on experiences — educational walks, sustainability workshops, community clean-ups — we help people connect with their environment and awaken their awareness. We pose simple but powerful questions: Where did this waste come from? How did it get to the sea? What can I do about it?
One of our most impactful projects is the annual campaign “Act Local, Clean Global”, held around Earth Day.
👉 Learn more here: Actúa local, limpia global – The invisible challenge of Earth Day
🔁 From Waste to Wisdom: Reduce, Reuse, Repair
The issue is not just plastic, but our disposable culture. It is crucial to raise awareness about the life cycle of materials: where they come from, how long they last, and what happens after their use.
In our workshops, we show that every object has a story and an ecological footprint. Through responsible ecotourism on the Basque Coast, we promote a model where knowledge inspires concrete action.
🤝 What Can You Do?
- 🧴 Avoid single-use plastics. Choose reusable bottles and bags.
- 🌍 Join beach clean-ups and educational workshops. Check out our calendar of activities.
- 📚 Spread awareness in your home, school, or workplace.
- 🧭 Choose sustainable ecotourism in the Basque Country, like the experiences offered by Begi Bistan.
- ⚖️ Support public policies that encourage a blue economy and local values.
🌊 Begi Bistan: Tourism with Soul, Education with Roots
At Begi Bistan, we are committed to a clear vision: to educate, inspire, and transform. From the Basque Coast Geopark, we organize activities for schools, families, businesses, and travelers from around the world.
We believe the sea is not just a backdrop — it is memory, presence, and possibility. That is why our outings are more than simple excursions: they are educational experiences with meaning.
👉 Discover all our environmental education and sustainable ecotourism offers at: www.begi-bistan.com
“To educate is not to fill a vase, but to light a fire.”