Accessibility & eco-design

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Surfrider Foundation

Surfrider Foundation Europe is a non-profit international non-governmental organisation (INGO) dedicated to the environment, founded in 1990. Its aim is to “protect and enhance the ocean, coasts, waves, lakes, rivers and all the people who depend on them”. It is part of the worldwide Surfrider Foundation network.

Surfrider Foundation Europe was set up in 1990 in Biarritz (France) by a group of surfers who wanted to protect their surfing area, including the famous Tom Curren, three-time world surfing champion and now the association’s ambassador. Since its creation, Surfrider Foundation Europe has adopted the same objectives as its parent organisation, Surfrider Foundation, founded in 1984 in the United States.

The organisation

Surfrider Foundation Europe is headquartered in Biarritz, France, its home town. The association has three regional offices dedicated to implementing its projects (located in Marseille, Bordeaux and San Sebastian) as well as two offices responsible for coordinating political advocacy (in Paris and Brussels).

Surfrider Foundation Europe is also supported by 47 volunteer branches in 12 European countries, including Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. The association employs 80 salaried staff to run its operations.

Areas of intervention

Surfrider Foundation Europe works in several areas to protect the marine and coastal environment. Its main areas of action are

Water quality: Surfrider Foundation Europe is committed to monitoring and improving water quality in oceans, rivers and lakes. The association raises public awareness of the risks of water pollution and campaigns for stricter regulations on polluting discharges.
Aquatic waste: The NGO actively fights against plastic pollution and the waste that ends up in the seas and on beaches. It organises campaigns to clean up beaches, rivers and lakes, and raises public awareness of the importance of reducing waste at source.
Coastal development: Surfrider Foundation Europe works to mitigate the impact of climate change on oceans and coastal areas. The organisation promotes nature-based solutions and works to strengthen the resilience of marine ecosystems to extreme weather events.

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