The aim of the initiative is to raise the awareness of locals and tourists who visit Marbella, so that they contribute to maintaining the beaches clean and in good condition so that everyone can enjoy them.

The ashtrays that were distributed are in the shape of a cone, so they can be stuck upright in the sand, and are reusable. The aim of handing out these conical ashtrays is to facilitate proper management of this waste and combat the presence of cigarette butts and other small bits of rubbish on the beach. Carlos Corral stated that the distribution of ashtrays, which has taken place on the beaches of Marbella for several summers, ‘is part of the policy of sustainability and environmental protection that is behind Hidralia Marbella’s management model’.

He went on to mention how Hidralia and Marbella City Council intensify the system for controlling the quality of bathing waters in the summer period (from 15 May to 15 September). Weekly analyses are carried out at Arroyo de la Represa, and two-weekly analyses at the rest of the city’s beaches. In total, 224 analyses have been completed so far this period. In addition, through a visual inspection, water transparency and the presence/absence of jellyfish or waste are monitored.