229,000 tonnes of plastic are dumped into the Mediterranean every year, adding to the 1,178,000 tonnes of plastic already there. Unlike the oceans, the Mare Nostrum brings a good percentage of the floating litter back to our shores in a short space of time. Marine litter is one of the greatest challenges facing our society, and without appropriate responses, the amount of plastic in the world's oceans will exceed that of fish by 2050. The problem of marine litter has multiple health, economic and environmental impacts. However, the production system has led to excessive production and consumption of plastic over the last 20 years, making marine litter a global emergency. This concept creates a global need not only for direct action on more sustainable production models, but also for more conscious consumer behaviour. Developing environmental awareness and implementing sustainable behaviour is a necessary way to safeguard natural resources and leave them as a legacy for future generations.

More than 400 stakeholders, including fishermen, diving centres, environmental associations, sea turtle rescue centres, local authorities, tour operators, schools and civil society, have been involved in awareness-raising activities on the issue of marine litter, in particular plastics, with the aim of increasing awareness and knowledge of the many damages linked to plastic waste and overconsumption. Fishers and divers, along with environmental organizations, actively contributed to the movement towards responsible and mindful conduct regarding the sea. They participated in efforts to remove nets abandoned on the seabed and litter on beaches. In recent years, numerous tourist and bathing establishments in the Salento pilot area have implemented the BEach CLEAN Decalogue, which was developed within the COMMON project. The code serves as a set of guidelines and practices to be followed in the management of bathing establishments and in educating tourists and bathers about reducing, reusing and recycling plastic materials. Local governments have supported the implementation of COMMON project initiatives to promote the development of environmentally and socially responsible communities.

The COMMON project facilitated frequent moments of collective reflection and active participation in awareness-raising activities alongside stakeholders. This approach expanded awareness and knowledge regarding the urgency of plastic waste and environmental pollution. The dissemination of information coupled with awareness-raising initiatives provoked a positive transformation in the communities involved. Therein, more sustainable behaviour increased in response to an escalating awareness of the effects of marine litter on tourism, the economy, and the environment. The fishers who participated in the removal, monitoring, and training actions concerning marine litter had the chance to acquire expertise that would enable them to explore fresh areas of fishing diversification, following the new EMFAF 2021-27 national operational program and the latest regulatory references of the Salvamare Law (10 June 2022).

The process that brought about change in the coastal communities was consistently marked by a participatory approach, with active community involvement in meetings, events, seminars, and initiatives aimed at promoting dissemination and stakeholder dialogue. There have been several collective awareness-raising initiatives since 2019, such as: - 10-day beach and seabed waste removal campaigns involving ecological associations, fishermen, divers, turtle rescue centres, universities, schools, and citizens. - 3 awareness campaigns (2019-2022) with 40 tourism and beach operators encouraging the reduction, reuse and recycling of non-compostable products. Awareness-raising and scientific dissemination events: - 10 events aimed at raising awareness among the general public about marine and coastal pollution and climate change issues. Involvement of schools in tackling marine litter: - 1 training event for teachers from 40 schools to increase awareness about this issue and disseminate good practices in education to support sustainable initiatives. - 3 Contests offering prizes for addressing marine litter open to middle and high school students. - 7 participatory workshops and meetings to identify key issues and opportunities amongst fishermen, sea operators and local authorities.