EU and SL Partners Strengthen Commitment to Clean Beaches

By Abdul Rahman Bah

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Lumley Beach in Sierra Leone transformed into a hub of community spirit as the 7th edition of the “EU Beach Clean-Up Day” took place. This engaging initiative, organized by Shout Climate Change Africa in collaboration with the European Union Delegation and local partners, aimed to highlight the urgent need for environmental stewardship while addressing the critical issue of plastic pollution.

The event drew an impressive turnout of around 750 volunteers, including government officials, civil society members, diplomats, local businesses, and students, all coming together to reclaim their beloved beach from plastic waste. Collectively, they managed to remove an astounding 1,500 kilograms of debris, showcasing the power of community action in tackling environmental challenges.

Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of such initiatives during her address at the event. “Today’s clean-up not only beautifies our beaches but also sends a strong message about our commitment to a sustainable environment,” she stated, highlighting the collaboration with the EU to ensure ongoing beach maintenance.

Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, expressed appreciation for the EU’s support, which included the provision of new cleaning tools to aid in regular beach upkeep. This partnership reflects a decade of collaborative efforts toward creating a cleaner coastline for all.

EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski, took the opportunity to shed light on the severe impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and public health. “Our shared commitment to sustainable practices is crucial for protecting our environment,” he remarked, reinforcing the significance of beach clean-ups in the broader context of environmental conservation.

Sierra Leone faces daunting environmental challenges, particularly from plastic waste, which poses a severe threat to both local ecosystems and the tourism sector. With the country generating around 130,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually and recycling a mere 6%, the clean-up event serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility needed to combat this crisis.

The success of the clean-up not only rejuvenates Lumley Beach but also highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental protection. The collaboration between volunteers and local authorities showcases a unified effort to ensure the health of Sierra Leone’s coastlines for future generations.

As the day came to a close, participants left with a sense of accomplishment and renewed dedication to environmental advocacy, inspired by the shared vision of a cleaner, healthier Sierra Leone.