From Gozo to Everest: The inspiring mission behind Coast is Clear

Mark Galea Pace's journey began as a solo three-day adventure collecting plastic debris along Malta's coast, but it soon transformed into the renowned 'Coast is Clear' movement. With over 170 clean-ups and over 100 tons of waste removed, Mark shares the highs and challenges of leading an environmental crusade on land and sea.

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Your journey began with a three-day solo adventure around the Maltese coast, collecting plastic debris. Can you share what inspired that journey and how it evolved into the Coast is Clear movement?

In May 2021, we were coming out of COVID-19 restrictions, and I needed to get out and away from it all. I've always been adventurous and sporty; I was brought up in the 70s and 80s on the island of Gozo. So, really, it started as a one-off adventure: camping on the coast for three days, showcasing the extent of plastic pollution on our shores while at the same time fundraising for the Nature Trust Foundation.

A month before, my son Jordan taught me about microplastics he had learnt at school while we were doing a minor beach clean-up on Comino. Little did I know what was in store for me, especially on the wild coasts, out of sight of the general public and tourists alike. The pictures and videos I posted on social media instantly went viral, even making headline news. 

The image of a former water polo player doing solo coastal clean-ups with minimal funds for three straight days out at sea was attractive to the viewers, and the wave of interest was too much to ignore. Thus, I thought to myself, why not do a summer campaign called 'Coast is Clear' involving volunteers and collecting sponsorships along the way?

That success was immense. More requests from volunteers and entities wishing to be part of this new movement followed.

I then purchased a truck with my own money, and winter brought in a new campaign, cleaning up valleys, parks, cliffs and beaches.

With over 170 clean-ups organised and over 100 tons of waste removed from various environments, what has been the most challenging or surprising aspect of these efforts, both on land and at sea?

The challenges were various and evolved as time went by. The first big challenge was how to fit in a clean-up per week while not disrupting my everyday income, which was working as a personal trainer at that time. It became even harder once clean-ups became more frequent and intense and finances were dwindling.

With the British High Commissioner

Fatigue and stress from trying to do both strenuous activities were taking their toll on my body and family life. I had to make a decision: either continue with sports and fitness or turn my newly found passion into a viable future.

My decision was fast and easy. I realised that Malta and its coastline badly need me, my volunteers, and our environmental action. It's time to find more sponsorships to finance our campaigns and use all the strength and fitness I've gained in sports to fight for a better, cleaner environment.

You were recognised with the 'Point of Light Award' for your work. How did receiving this award impact your mission, and what role do you think recognition plays in motivating continued environmental activism?

The recognition I received from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England was a shocker. After just five months of starting, I received this recognition from the highest royalty, a person I admired so much who held the highest position in the United Kingdom.

I will forever be grateful for receiving this prestigious honour. Thanks also to the British High Commissioner for their support. Personally, every time I feel tired, a bit low in morale, struggling with funds, or simply in pain from the physical demands of these clean-ups, I always keep this recognition as a reminder, as an instigator, to fight on, to believe that someone out there is appreciating and supporting me.

As I always say, everyone deserves praise and support. Unfortunately, the Maltese authorities may not have supported me over the years, but this award more than makes up for it.

Your expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp is an incredible feat for its physical demands and your clean-up efforts at 5,400 metres. What was it like to conduct a clean-up in such extreme conditions, and what message do you hope this sends about global environmental responsibility?

When I think about it today, my Mount Everest journey seems so unrealistic. There were so many adventures, challenges, and spirituality incorporated into one. Nepal went well beyond my expectations.

The first challenge was getting to Nepal itself. It took me three days to leave Malta airport after delays caused by earthquakes in Turkey, storms in the Mediterranean, COVID-19 restrictions, and a lack of flights. Finally, I made it just in time to catch a flight in a tiny aeroplane to Lukla airstrip, nicknamed 'the most dangerous airport in the world'.

The eight-day journey up to Everest base camp was an unbelievable experience. It was physically exhausting, and the temperatures were freezing, but the spirituality and mental freedom got me through each day. Finally, the clean-up, also thanks to help from my Nepalese Sherpa team, was fun and exciting under the backdrop of the white peaks of the tallest mountain in the world.

Lukla airstrip nicknamed 'the most dangerous airport in the world'.

The image of me holding up the Maltese flag, surrounded by my Nepalese team with sacks containing 180kg of plastic garbage, inspired many people to join Coast is Clear clean-up initiatives here in Malta.

Apart from the success of the clean-up itself, the public realised the extent of plastic pollution, which extends from the highest peaks in the world to deep inside our oceans.

Sustaining a movement like Coast is Clear undoubtedly requires resilience, especially in the face of financial and logistical challenges. How do you stay motivated and manage the ongoing search for funding and resources?

Fortunately (and unfortunately), I am a one-person foundation that receives support from many devoted volunteers throughout the year and incredible sponsors who believe in me, and Coast is Clear's objectives.

Motivation comes easily when you are surrounded by beautiful people who share your vision and are passionate about making our seas and our planet a better place to live.

Funding is, was, and will always be a sticky issue; however, giving up is not an option. At my age, I know that this is my last battle, and I will give my all before I pass the baton to the next generation.

Looking forward, what are your long-term goals for Coast is Clear, and how do you envision expanding or evolving your initiatives to continue impacting Malta's environment and beyond?

To be honest, I don't look too far ahead. Planning beyond two years is useless when I try so hard to finance Coast is Clear's campaigns and initiatives on a yearly, sometimes monthly, basis.

Sometimes, people and entities surprisingly crop up and bring new energy and ideas to the table. One morning, I may wake up with some crazy but innovative thoughts, and out of the blue, a new adventure evolves.

No matter what or how, with whom or with nobody, I, with Coast is Clear, shall continue to inspire and work hard to leave an everlasting impact for the next generation to enjoy and safeguard for their next generation.

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