Saturday 21st, September 2002 marked the 17th Annual International
Coastal Cleanup. In Diani over 150 volunteers from Hotels, Schools,
Recreational Facilities, Beach sellers and local residents joined the
three quarters of a million people across the world who volunteer their
time to pick up rubbish that pollutes our oceans, harms our marine life
and poses health risks for beach-goers. “Each year the number of
volunteers grows as people realise the problem of marine debris and
become active in their communities, searching for workable solutions”
said Roger Rufe, President of the Ocean Conservancy.
Supported by Kenya Wildlife Services (Shimba Hills National Park) and
co-ordinated by the Colobus Trust, Diani’s Beaches were pristine again
after the untiring ‘cleaners’ working in groups combed the beach of
debris. The Volunteers recorded information about the rubbish that they
collected on detailed data cards. These cards are compiled, analysed,
and tracked year by year, revealing patterns in marine debris in the
country and around the rest of the world. “Cleanup data reports have
influenced public policy on waste management, prompted legislation, and
convinced individuals and organisations to re-examine their waste
handling practices.”
More than just an unsightly inconvenience for tourists, marine debris is
one of the worlds most pervasive pollution problems. Scientists
generally define marine debris as any manufactured or processed solid
waste material that enters the marine environment from any source.
The leading cause of marine debris is thoughtlessness—people making the
wrong decision to litter. Waste on land finds its way to the oceans,
being carried by wind or in rivers. The result is literally tons of
cigarette butts, fishing line, fast food packaging, diapers, tampon
applicators, six-pack holders, bottles, cans, syringes, and tires.
In its least harmful form, trash detracts from the beauty of our
world-class beaches. But it can also be a human health and safety
hazard. Floating fishing line, rope, and plastic bags can wrap around
and damage boat propellers.
Debris can also cause habitat destruction by affecting the water quality
of aquatic habitats as well as causing physical damage. Submerged debris
can cover coral reefs and smother sea grasses and other bottom-dwelling
species. Marine debris is particularly dangerous and often lethal to
marine wildlife. Many species may eat rubbish that they have confused
for food. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish – one of
their favourite foods. Fishing line or other debris that is wrapped
around fins or flippers can cause circulation loss and eventual
amputation as the animal grows, or worse — strangulation.
Co-ordinators:
The Colobus Trust |
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Participants:
Southern Palms Beach Resort, Indian Ocean Beach Club, Alliance Hotels,
Diani House, Nomad Beach Hotel, Diving The Crab, SSI East Africa, Diani
Marine Ltd., Kaya Likunda Drama Group, Local Beach Operators, Seacrest
Primary School, Word of Life Primary School, Manuel Alexander School,
Ngonzini Primary School, Magutu Primary School, Ziwani Primary School,
Marine & Motors Ltd., Prima Bins - Diani, Kwale Health Forum
An interesting fact: In the International Coastal Cleanup for 2001
enough clothes and pieces of cloth were picked up to clothe 17,121
people with a shirt, trousers, shoes and a hat!! |
