A new TIDY Northern Ireland programme is set to land on our shores for the first time this year. The Clean Coast Programme will boost efforts to clean up our coastline and will offer recognition for good management practice on our more rural beaches.

This month saw the launch of the Clean Coast Programme partnership in Carlingford with An Taisce (the Irish National Trust who have been running the programme successfully for a number of years) and Coca-Cola Ulster Bottlers Ltd. who are acting as the associate sponsor of the new Northern Ireland programme

The new programme has been running in Wales and the Republic of Ireland for some years and has proved very popular with communities and coastal authorities. The programme consists of an award scheme, 'The Green Coast Award' and 'The Programme'. The Green Coast Award will recognise rural beaches which are well managed and have active guardianship and 'The Programme' will directly involve local communities in clean ups and many other environmental activities.

TIDY Northern Ireland Chief Executive Ian Cole, commented on the increasing litter problem on our beaches, "Local beaches and coastlines play an important part in the lives of our coastal communities but litter is causing a huge problem. It is polluting our island's waters and shorelines and even interrupting the aquatic ecosystem. Through this campaign we will be appealing to local communities to be more aware of their behaviour and the affect it is having on their beaches. When taking part in pastimes such as walking, fishing or water-sports we would urge people not to litter and if they see litter to pick it up and put it where it's meant to go - in the bin - not in our water and on our beaches."

The new programme is a chance to clean up our coastline improving conditions for the wildlife and also for tourism. Most importantly it is an opportunity to get local people involved in actively caring for their coastal environment and to have fun!

If you would like to find out more about the Clean Coast Programme please contact: jennifer.smyth@tidynorthernireland.org or phone 0845 86 206 86.

The Clean Coast Programme is sponsored by Coca-Cola Ulster Bottlers Ltd