“I am pleased to hear how you have significantly raised awareness about the world’s marine environment. . . I send you good wishes for your continuing success in encouraging the introduction of similar programmes across the world.” Queen Elizabeth II
“Best wishes for your Beach Buddies’ work.” Prince Charles
“Through Beach Buddies you are pioneering awareness of marine pollution and ensuring that the Manx coastline is one of the cleanest in Europe . . . mobilising hundreds of clean-ups a year which will have a long-standing impact in this beautiful environment.” Theresa May, United Kingdom Prime Minister
“The work of the Isle of Man Beach Buddies group is of the very highest standard.” Dr Han Qunli, head of UNESCO Man & The Biosphere Programme
“Rubbish was blighting its beaches. Now the Isle of Man’s addictive and collaborative approach to clean-up and sustainability is setting international standards as a microcosm for success.” National Geographic Magazine
“A Sea Change: how one small island showed us how to save our oceans.” The Guardian newspaper
“Beach Buddies is setting a great example to us all. Around 10% of your population have taken part in beach cleaning, and you have made a huge difference to your environment. If the rest of the world could get just 1% of the population involved we could transform all our beaches.” Jon White, President, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Washington DC
“Beach Buddies is determined to make the Isle of Man’s the cleanest beaches in the world.” BBC Television News
“It’s their concern for the wildlife which is their main motivation . . .” BBC Television World News
“80-85% of the rubbish on the beach here (Ravenglass) has come from inland. It could be 100-200 miles, or even thousands of miles away, and that’s the lesson we’ve all got to learn.” Border ITV News
“The challenge is: does this mean the Isle of Man now has the cleanest beaches in the world?” Granada ITV News
The work of Beach Buddies has never seen more relevance or importance . . . you have captured the public imagination which is rare these days . . . It is a true community organisation, supported by the public, government, schools and businesses . . . and you have received worldwide international recognition . . . The international media now consider Beach Buddies to be the pre-eminent experts in the subject of environmental beach protection. You have truly put the Isle of Man on the world map.” Steve Rodan OBE, President of Tynwald, Isle of Man Parliament
“Beach Buddies has contributed massively to the Isle of Man being officially recognised as one of the best places in the world to explore nature.” Juan Watterson, Speaker of the House of Keys, Isle of Man Parliament.
“This kind of collaborative working is a great example of joining up with the community to improve the environment.” Ray Harmer, Minister for the Department of Infrastructure Isle of Man
“ . . . a great example of working in collaboration with a highly-regarded and trusted third sector organisation.” Tim Baker MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure
“Don’t think that it’s just you that cares, because there are millions of others who really do care. Just get together. Don’t give up. Don’t feel overwhelmed. See the difference you can make. It’s dead easy – it’s great fun and you can change the world.” Waterbear Network
“It’s not enough to just stand and stare . . . ” Beach Buddies
• Beach Buddies is sponsored by FIM Capital
