Killing the goose with the golden eggs: Litter effects on scenic quality of the Caribbean coast of Colombia

137 coastal sites located along the Caribbean coast of Colombia were surveyed to determine scenic quality, litter content, and typology. Scenic evaluation categorized sites into five classes. 26 appeared in Class I; 18 in Class II; 19 in Class III; 30 in class IV; and 44 in Class V. Beach type was categorized into urban (31), resort (18), rural (46), village (32) and remote (10). Litter gave 17 sites an “A” grade (excellent); 34 sites a “B” grade; 53 sites a “C” grade and 33 locations a “D” grade (poor). Almost all sites surveyed have a low scenic quality and also significant litter content. Currently, litter directly produces aesthetic problems along the study area, and improvements are necessary to favor coastal scenic quality. Stakeholders should make a significant effort to improve the scenic human parameters along the study area, litter removal and prevention being the most important. •Beach litter has become an obstacle that hinders the economic growth of the Caribbean coast of Colombia.•Litter grading, typology, scenic evaluation and sector analysis were used at 137 Colombian Caribbean coast sites.•Primary sources of litter correspond to litter transported by rivers, together with human activities related to beach use.•Almost all sites surveyed have a low scenic quality and also significant litter issues.•Beach litter management must be based on strategies to reduce or eliminate litter sources.