Date confirmed for this summer's 'Hug the Mar Menor' human chain

More than 40 organisations are backing this year's event, with human chains planned at rivers, lakes and coastlines across Spain and around the world

A total of 45 environmental organisations and community groups are behind this year's event, which will take place on Saturday August 8, at 1:00pm. The event shows support for the Mar Menor but it is also a global event that draws attention to the growing threats facing rivers, lakes, seas and other waterways around the world.

As well as the human chain around the lagoon, similar events will be held at waterways across Spain and all over the world as part of the international 'Hug the Water' campaign. So far, 21 locations have confirmed they will be taking part.

Campaigners say many of the world's rivers, lakes, seas and underground water reserves (aquifers) are facing increasing pollution from human activity. They point to mining, intensive farming, livestock production, plastic waste and other chemical pollution as some of the biggest threats to these fragile environments and the wildlife they support.

The campaign is based on the message that 'all water is the same water, and all seas are the same sea,' and anyone is welcome to get involved. Families, local groups, schools, clubs and associations are all being encouraged to organise their own 'hug' at a nearby river, lake, or beach they want to help protect, whether in Spain or anywhere else in the world.

This year, events have already been confirmed in Sweden, where four separate human chains are planned, as well as Argentina. Across Spain, people will also gather at La Janda lagoon in Cádiz, the Bullaque River in Ciudad Real, the Dílar River in Granada province and Camelle beach in A Coruña.

To help bring everything together, organisers will create an interactive map showing every registered event. Groups wishing to take part just need to email abrazoalagua@gmail.com with the name of their organisation, the exact location of the event, a contact telephone number and a website or social media page.

If a group needs to change the time or date of its event, organisers are asking them to let them know so the map can be updated and anyone planning to attend has the correct information.

Image: Archive