Saint Lucia Mobilises Nation for Annual Coastal Clean-Up Campaign

Saint Lucia continues its commitment to protecting its beaches and marine ecosystems through the annual Coastal Clean-Up initiative, coordinated nationally by CYEN Saint Lucia. 

The campaign, which engages communities across the island, aims to “minimise marine litter, safeguard coastal ecosystems and enhance public awareness regarding the effects of pollution on our oceans,” according to Esther Destiny Tommy, public relations officer for CYEN.

Over the years, the initiative has evolved from a simple beach-cleaning activity to a data-driven and advocacy-focused programme. Using Saint Lucia’s National Cleanup Guide, volunteers collect and record detailed information on the types and quantities of litter at popular sites such as Soufriere Beach, Marigot Bay, Fond’Or Beach in Dennery, Black Bay Beach, and Anse La Voute (also known as $5 Beach). 

This data is shared with Ocean Conservancy and local partners, including the Department of Sustainable Development and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Authority, to inform sustainable solutions for plastic pollution.

Marine pollution remains a significant challenge, with single-use plastics topping the list of waste collected. “The most common items collected are single-use plastics such as plastic bottles, caps, straws and food wrappers,” she noted.

While larger debris like tyres and appliances have decreased, these plastics continue to threaten local wildlife, particularly at Fond D’or Beach, home to Saint Lucia’s iguana and boa constrictor. 

Alden Lewis, vice president of CYEN, emphasised the risk, stating that “the overpopulation of litter, including plastics and other debris, poses a direct threat to the local wildlife, as waste can easily be ingested by animals as well as interfering with their natural habitat.”

Youth engagement is a central pillar of the programme. CYEN actively involves young people through volunteer programmes, school outreach, and hands-on experiences during clean-ups. 

“We encourage youth to take on the role of coastal stewards by educating them about their relationship with the environment and demonstrating how our daily choices affect the ecosystem,” Tommy said.

Social media campaigns and community partnerships also help spread the message to a wider audience, fostering a culture of responsibility and environmental advocacy.

Partnerships with government agencies, local schools, NGOs, and private businesses have strengthened the initiative, providing funding, manpower, and logistical support. These collaborations allow CYEN to expand its reach and clean more sites effectively.

CYEN advocates for long-term strategies to tackle the root causes of coastal pollution. Measures include implementing stricter regulations on single-use plastics, incentivising sustainable business practices, and expanding recycling initiatives. 

Lewis highlighted the importance of education, stating, “People need to understand the effects that their actions are having on the environment, not just oceans.” 

CYEN also supports integrating environmental studies into school curricula and enhancing regional waste management systems, aiming to create a circular economy where waste is minimised and resources are repurposed.