International Coastal Cleanup Day
The coastal zone of a country encompasses not only beaches but also diverse marine ecosystems and habitats teeming with rich biodiversity. These areas, abundant with natural resources, provide livelihoods to millions of people worldwide. The natural beauty of coastlines also boosts tourism and related industries, significantly contributing to a nation’s economy.
However, coastal zones are highly vulnerable to pollution due to adverse human activities, the expansion of tourism, population growth, and other factors. This pollution can devastate sensitive marine ecosystems, leading to their eventual destruction. It also results in the loss of livelihoods, serious health issues, and negative impacts on the national economy.
Therefore, it is crucial to prevent coastal pollution and protect coastal zones and their ecosystems to ensure the sustainable use of these invaluable natural resources.
Over 30 years ago, the Ocean Conservancy introduced International Coastal Cleanup Day to encourage people worldwide to protect the coastal environment. Celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September, this event inspires individuals and organizations to come together to clean up beaches and waterways. According to the Ocean Conservancy, “In partnership with volunteer organizations and individuals around the globe, the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) engages people to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways. Over 16 million volunteers have collected more than 340 million pounds of trash.” This remarkable effort highlights the positive impact ICC has on preserving coastal zones globally.
Environmental and ocean conservation groups, alongside organizations around the world, have joined hands with the Ocean Conservancy to conduct beach cleanup programs on this day. Over 100 countries participate annually in these programs, showcasing global solidarity in addressing coastal pollution.
In Sri Lanka, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has been organizing programs to commemorate International Coastal Cleanup Day since 2008. Due to decades of urbanization and development, Sri Lanka’s coastline has experienced significant marine resource depletion and widespread pollution. Recognizing the need for expanded efforts, a Cabinet Paper in 2016 declared a week-long event, “National Marine Resources Conservation Week,” to coincide with International Coastal Cleanup Day.
This initiative, carried out across all coastal districts, aims to increase public and private sector participation and improve the program’s overall effectiveness. By dedicating a week to conservation efforts, MEPA hopes to attract more volunteers and inspire collective action to safeguard the nation’s beautiful coastline.
MEPA warmly invites everyone to join hands in protecting our stunning coastlines and making them trash-free. Together, we can preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.