At the beginning of summer, the Junior Chamber International of Menton Roquebrune-Cap-Martin launched the “Service Boat”, an innovative environmental initiative, awarded the “Coup de cลur 2007” by the Nicolas Hulot Foundation for Nature and Man.
Like many coastal areas, the Cรดte dโAzur faces a significant maritime population in the summer, suffering notable pollution caused primarily by port activities (sanitation, dredging, fuel distribution), boats (paint, sanitation, bilge pumps, and engines), boaters, and infrastructure (treatment plants, stormwater discharge, urban activities). While this pollution is largely organic, bacterial, and chemical, it also includes waste such as plastics, packaging, and food waste, which have concerning visual, economic, health, and environmental impacts.
To combat this type of marine pollution, the Junior Chamber International of Menton Roquebrune-Cap-Martin conceived an innovative project for collecting household waste directly from boaters at anchor, using a semi-rigid boat specially equipped for the task. In service since June 22, the Service Boat conducts daily rounds to collect household waste from boaters anchored in the bays of Menton and Roquebrune Cap Martin.
This service is free of charge.
Garbage bags are regularly distributed to boaters, and selective sorting (glass, packaging, and household waste) is enforced. The waste is transported in airtight containers to earthbound dumpsters.
An awareness brochure on marine environment preservation practices and selective sorting, written in three languages (French, English, and Italian), is distributed to boaters to encourage them to behave in a way that does not pollute the ecosystem in which they sail and enjoy themselves.
This waste collection service is complemented by several other services that improve the welcome of boaters during the summer season: ordering service for food products, various supplies (bread, pastries, coffee, drinks, international press, groceries, sundries…).
Orders are taken directly on board the boats. Additionally, a mobile phone allows contact with the service boat, whose details are displayed in the ports and harbormasters of Menton, Monaco, and Cap dโAil. Various payment methods are accepted, including checks, cash, and even credit cards, thanks to a GSM-compatible Electronic Payment Terminal.
For all these services, boaters can call 06 07 97 97 12.
This service, aiming to improve the protection of the Cรดte d’Azur coastline and provide visitors with the services they desire in addition to those usually offered by ports, is available 7 days a week.
This initiative by the Junior Chamber International of Menton-Roquebrune Cap Martin is supported by the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes, the Agglomeration Community of the French Riviera, Veolia Environment, Eco Emballages, the Nicolas Hulot Foundation for Nature and Man, the Ra.Mo.Ge agreement, Suisscourtage Assurances, and Intermarchรฉ Menton Saint-Roman.
