International Coastal Cleanup Day
2012/09/17

For the past 20 years the International Coastal Cleanup Day has been celebrated on the third Saturday of September. The initiative, started in 1986 by the American Center for Conservation on the Texas coast, has grown to include various other water resources, such as rivers and inland lakes. Since its inception in South Africa some 15 years ago, thousands have been active in drawing attention to water pollution by staging cleanup days each year.

According to a 1999 report from International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), 59% of debris found in the ocean is dumped inland, usually finding its way down to the coastline via rivers and waterways. This is increasing each year, and the impact on marine life sees thousands of animals suffering, whether it be from entanglement, ingestion of plastic bags, a depletion of oxygen in rivers and lakes or the destruction of their natural habitat. As a result, the cleanup attempts to gather valuable information on the current state of affairs, increase public awareness of the dangers of dumping and the physical removal of rubbish. The valuable information gathered within South Africa is then collated by John Kieser (International Coastal Cleanup Coordinator) of the Plastics Federation of South Africa. John Kieser notes that “the need for this is very important as we know so little of where all the litter at sea goes and the impact it has on the animals that live in the oceans”.

The success of this year’s International Coastal Cleanup in South Africa was reflected in the positive turnout seen across the country. John Kieser attributes this to a number of key things: “We have a network spanning fifteen years which has grown even more this year. The energy behind the cleanup lies in the enthusiasm, dedication and need to want to make a difference of a myriad of individuals and organisations”. Furthermore, it is at the local level that the most movement and progress has been seen as “municipalities consist of people who look at the actions of their citizens for issues of concern on a local level.  A clean environment is one of the great needs of all of us.  Local authorities also realise that a clean environment does not just constitute a happier citizenry but also supports tourism,” he added.

For more on the International Coastal Cleanup, visit the Ocean Conservancy on their website http://www.oceanconservancy.org/ or for more information within South Africa visit www.cleanup-SA.co.za