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Rochefort 2
Rochefort
Introduction
River Cleanup was founded in Belgium in 2019, and our headquarters and many of our projects are still located there. Although plastic pollution is less obvious in nature in Belgium, there is still a lot of work to be done. We work mostly on spreading awareness about plastic pollution by working together with schools and companies. Our HQ team, which currently has 11 members, also supervises, advises and supports international projects and programs.
Our Clean River Model
Belgium is one of the three counties where we are testing our Clean River Model.
Empower people
Local awareness campaigns generate enthusiasm and make people see the problem so they can become part of the solution and change their behavior. Through educational programs, students and teachers are activated to become ambassadors within their families and communities. Local leaders are empowered to take ownership and anchor the change within their communities.
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Prevent pollution
We reduce single-use plastics by promoting sustainable alternatives, implementing plastic reduction projects, and sharing knowledge & best practices. The deployment of accessible collection systems (for example EcoBins) prevents plastic waste from entering nature. Riverine pollution is removed via cleanup actions and technologies like trashbooms, and the recovered materials are repurposed. We choose and promote circular economy solutions.
Accelerate change
We generate data, provide insights, inform authorities on sources of river pollution, propose short-term remediations, promote structural solutions, and advocate policy change to accelerate change. We actively engage and collaborate within a network of like-minded organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit.
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Assessment
A solid understanding of the problem, including root causes, river parameters, ecosystem services, current interventions, and stakeholder analysis, is key to design and implement a river-specific action plan. This forms the baseline for continuous monitoring and impact evaluation.
Planning & financing
Ensure the successful execution of the Clean River Model by developing a detailed, river-specific action plan and securing the necessary funding. Based on insights from the assessment, the action plan outlines specific interventions and effective project organization to realize the deliverables and mitigate risks.
Monitoring & Evaluation
We focus on tracking the progress and effectiveness of the Clean River Model interventions by regularly monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluating outcomes against established baselines.
River Cleanup Belgium in numbers
- 325
- Events
- 9 906
- Warriors
- 268 408
- kg recovered
Join a Cleanup
The River Cleanup Community organizes cleanups all over Belgium! In many cases the organizer provides cleanup material and guidance… so you only need to show up and get involved. Several times a year we have large events happening such as World Cleanup Day and monthly River Cleanup Days in Temse as part of the Inspire Project. And you can also take part in the 10 minutes challenge!
Check out the calendar below for upcoming events or take a look at the map to get a good view of actions around the world!
Organize a cleanup
You can also organize your own cleanup! It can be just you alone or you can involve friends, colleagues, local schools and/or community members… You set the time and locations and organize the event however you want. For more information, you can visit our 'How to organize a cleanup' page. We promise it's easier than you think!
To organize a cleanup right away, click the button!
Upcoming Cleanups
Show past actions
River Cleanup Day May - Temse
Oost-Vlaanderen
River Cleanup Day June - Temse
Oost-Vlaanderen
River Cleanup Day July - Temse
Oost-Vlaanderen
River Cleanup Day October - Temse
Oost-Vlaanderen
Organize your own cleanup
Start by giving your cleanup a name and fill in your email address so that we can identify you or let you create an account in a later step.
News
River Cleanup helps out in flood-affected areas
On July 14th & 15th heavy rains hit Belgium. In Wallonia, deadly floods affected thousands of people and a huge area of nature. We took action right away.
Meet the team
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Partners
3 ways to contribute to this project
Join a cleanup
Have a look on the map below or at the upcoming events. Many cleanups are organized around the world. Find one close to you and join the cleanup!
Organize a cleanup
Thinking about doing your own cleanup? Register it here on the website so other people can see it. You can also upload photos and share your experience with the River Cleanup community.
Donate
You can make a one-off or monthly donation or organize a fundraiser, for example for your birthday, wedding or an important sport event. Your contribution enables us to achieve our mission by cleaning rivers, change behavior and transforming organizations.
Pictures of past actions
