Turning the Tide on Trash
On Saturday 21 September at 10:00, at Suiderkruis Beach, the Great Brak River Conservancy will once again be a registered role player and organiser in the world renowned International Coastal Clean-up Day. But what is this day all about?
International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) Day is an annual event that unites communities worldwide in the fight against ocean pollution. Established in the USA in 1986 by the Ocean Conservancy, this initiative has grown into the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. The event typically takes place every year on the third Saturday of September and involves millions of volunteers from over 100 countries that work together to remove litter, trash and debris from coastlines, waterways, and oceans.
ICC Day is not just about removing litter, it’s also about collecting data to understand the sources and types of marine pollution. This data is crucial in developing policies and strategies to reduce ocean degradation and defilement. The event highlights the global nature of marine pollution and underscores the need for collective action in order to tackle it head on.
South Africa has been a consistent participant in ICC Day since 1997. According to data collected over the years, South African volunteers have removed thousands of tons of trash from the country’s 2 500 kilometer coastline. A significant portion of this debris includes plastics, cigarette butts, and food packaging, which pose severe threats to marine life and ecosystems.
Great Brak River and its Conservancy will not be alone on 21 September as there will be numerous other simultaneous events along the Mossel Bay coastline that day. Fellow Conservancies and environmental organisations will also be joining forces to represent their portion of coast and will be drumming up support from residents within their local communities in order to be part of shared global responsibility.
While ICC Day is a crucial event within the environmental calendar, it equally serves as a reminder that protecting our coastlines and oceans requires ongoing effort. Collective community involvement is vitally important, not just on ICC Day, but every day. Simple actions, such as disposing of waste properly, reducing single-use plastics, and participating in local clean-ups, can have a significant impact. By working together, communities can ensure cleaner, healthier oceans for future generations. The fight against marine pollution is a continuous effort, and everyone has a role to play in keeping our beaches clean and our oceans healthy. Join in this International Coastal Clean-up and be part of a conscious effort to assume responsibility and deliver change.
