TWO major beach clean-up drives are being organised today by an environmental group that has collected more than 58,000kg of waste from Bahrain’s shores since 2018.
CleanUp Bahrain is a non-profit volunteer organisation dedicated to reducing litter, protecting and preserving the kingdom’s beautiful beaches and promoting environmental awareness among citizens and residents.
In celebration of World Cleanup Day, observed globally today, the NGO will remove litter from beaches in Janabiya and Malkiya.
“Our efforts have focused on removing harmful materials, with the majority of the collected rubbish consisting of plastics, fishing gear, and other debris that threaten marine life and pollute our oceans,” the group’s co-founder and chairman Ali AlQaseer told the GDN.
“We have organised more than 60 beach clean-ups, which have been able to collect 58,004kg of waste. We have also held multiple tree-planting events, engaging thousands of volunteers who share a passion for preserving our environment.”
Clean-ups have been held over the years at various beaches across the island – including Malkiya, Busaiteen, Jid Al Haj, Diraz, Demistan, Nurana, Karranah, Karbabad, Amwaj Islands, Salman City, Juffair, Arad, Janabiya, Askar – by volunteers who are passionate about making a difference.
Volunteers in action at Karranah Beach earlier this year
The GDN earlier reported this year that CleanUp Bahrain picked up a total of 3,300kg waste last year with its hands-on beach clean-ups, a drop from 7,600kg in the preceding year.
The collected general waste is transported to the Askar landfill in the Southern Governorate while plastic litter is recycled locally.
Mr AlQaseer stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to reduce pollution in Bahrain.
“It involves not only community engagement and education but also strong collaboration between all stakeholders – individuals, society, government, and the private sector,” he said, adding that by prioritising sustainability and actively participating in clean-up efforts, Bahrain can be a healthier environment for everyone.
According to him, addressing waste and pollution is fundamentally about ‘becoming more mindful of our personal consumption’.
“By minimising single-use items, correctly disposing of and recycling our waste, and consuming less in general, we can make a meaningful difference,” he said.
“This journey starts with self-awareness and personal responsibility towards our country and planet,” he added.
Reflecting on the past years, Mr AlQaseer highlighted one of the group’s proudest achievements – raising awareness about the harmful impact of waste on natural habitats. Through educational workshops and community outreach, the group has reached countless individuals, inspiring them to take action in their daily lives.
Flashback...Children take part in a beach clean up campaign organised by the group
“Our initiatives have not only resulted in cleaner beaches but also fostered a sense of community responsibility and stewardship towards our planet,” he said.
“Collectively, our efforts can create a ripple effect that inspires others to join us in safeguarding our environment. Together, we can build a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Scientists across the world have called for a reduction in the production of plastics and increased awareness among people, warning that clean-up efforts will be futile if plastics continue to be pumped into the environment. They also say that without immediate global action, the rate of plastic entering aquatic environments is expected to increase approximately 2.6-fold by 2040, further endangering humans and the marine environment.
Mr AlQaseer added that the group has held talks at schools to educate the younger generation in Bahrain about plastic pollution and the importance of recycling. They have also held events to clean up the kingdom’s mangroves.
“We call on all citizens and residents to show their support in cleaning up Janabiya Beach and Malkiya Beach on Saturday, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm,” he said.
The GDN earlier reported that in 2023, a staggering 1.4 million tonnes of domestic and commercial waste were dumped at the Askar landfill. Domestic waste which includes food waste, paper, glass, plastics, and metals constituted around 501,548 tonnes (41 per cent of the total rubbish) at the landfill.
World Clean-up day is a day for collective action against waste pollution, uniting millions of volunteers in clean-up efforts and awareness-raising activities. It was created by the global organisation Let’s Do It! World in 2018 to address the issue of mismanaged waste worldwide, with the goal of getting five per cent of the global population involved in clean-up efforts. julia@gdnmedia.bh
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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