The Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) Saint Lucia Chapter is preparing to host the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) in Saint Lucia.
The activity is expected to bring together volunteers, community groups, organisations, businesses and environmental advocates to take action against marine pollution and help protect the island’s coastal ecosystems.
CYEN – Saint Lucia Chapter, is a youth-focused environmental organisation committed to empowering young people to participate in environmental protection, advocacy, education, and sustainable development. Through community initiatives and partnerships, the organisation works to promote meaningful youth engagement
and environmental action across Saint Lucia.
The International Coastal Cleanup is a global initiative focused on removing marine debris while collecting important information about the types and quantities of waste found along coastlines.
This data helps inform efforts to better understand marine pollution and encourage solutions to prevent waste from entering coastal and marine environments.
This year’s initiative will take place across five coastal locations beginning this September and running into October. According to the organisers, communities will be provided with multiple opportunities to participate in coastal conservation as they contribute to the global effort to address marine litter.
The first scheduled cleanup location will be Soufriere Beach on September 12, followed by Marigot Beach on September 19 and Anse La Voute, Gros Islet on September 26.
The clean-up campaign will continue on October 3 at Fond’Or Beach, Dennery and at Blackbay Beach, Vieux Fort on October 10.
All cleanups will begin at 9:00 a.m., with transportation departing Derek Walcott Square at 8:00 a.m. Gloves, masks, trash bags, and refreshments will be provided to registered participants.
Members of the public, schools, community groups, businesses, organisations, families and individuals are encouraged to register and participate at one of the five locations.
As the national coordinator for the International Coastal Cleanup in Saint Lucia, CYEN Saint Lucia works with community groups, organisations, businesses, government agencies and volunteers to facilitate cleanup activities and promote greater awareness of marine pollution and environmental stewardship.
This latest initiative, the organisation says, reflects its continued commitment to youth participation and community action on environmental issues.
“By creating opportunities for young people and communities to take practical action, the organisation aims to strengthen environmental responsibility and encourage greater protection of Saint Lucia’s natural resources,” a release from CYEN stated.
