We did it. We made it to the end of 2020! 

A year that revealed unprecedented challenges for our society and forced us to deeply reconsider our relationship with nature. The Coronavirus changed the way we work, live and play. It held us away from the Ocean, the place where we go to find ourselves, feel alive and connected. No one can predict what 2021 has in store, but we can do our best to learn from this year’s experiences and work to reconcile our relationship with nature.  

2020 marked the 30th Anniversary of Surfrider Europe.  

After three decades of fierce struggle, many victories have been won but the development of human activity pushes further and further, continuously damaging the fragile balance between man and nature. While sanitary crisis regularly hit different parts of the world, this pandemic represents the wrongdoing of this model of society. Do we want to accept this society as the only option, or do we refuse to settle and strive for something better? Our wish for 2021 is this – for humanity to regain its place in the natural world with humility and respect.  

As we enter into a new year, Surfrider Europe sees change on the horizon.  

In 2021 we will fight to raise awareness on climate change and how it will increasingly change our lives. We will work to steward coastal adaptation plans that prioritize natural solutions over urbanization. We will continue our fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. An epidemic in itself that is destroying marine ecosystems at alarming rates and causing irreversible biodiversity loss. We will push forward with our work to preserve clean and healthy water quality so that no future bacteria or disease can keep us from enjoying the water. We will strive to nurture and grow our grass-roots community that acts every day to inspire, engage, and lead change for the Ocean. Our movement is strong and our voices are loud. We are angered by what is happening in our world and we demand better. 

In 2021 we must adhere to a balanced and humble approach to our planet. We must develop an economic model focused on common good. We must cultivate a fair, resilient and sober society. This is the basis of our identity, of our DNA, this is what has been guiding our fights since 1990. Humankind is part of Nature. It is not separate. It does not live above it and cannot pretend to dominate it. We must find our place within Nature while respecting its diversity and riches. We must think in terms of non-regression ecology, prevention and caution. Nature can go on without Humankind, as she did for millions of years, however the relationship is not mutually co-dependent. If we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves. 

This is our vision for the future. We need your help to make it happen.  

Each one of us has the power to make a difference, be it through our daily lives, the way we consume, our voices, activism, and votes at every level; local, national and European. 

Defend these values, these principles, this vision with us. This change of paradigm, this new society cannot happen without you or a healthy ocean. By protecting it, we are protecting ourselves. 

We must commit to this fight with all the strength in our hearts. Thank you for standing with us.  

Happy New Year from Surfrider Foundation Europe 
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