The First Beach Cleanup of 2025 on Gili Air

The new year has arrived, and with it comes renewed commitment and fresh resolutions. For Oceans 5 Gili Air, one of the most anticipated events of the season took place this past Friday: the first beach cleanup of 2025. Under the leadership of the dedicated divemaster candidates, this inaugural cleanup marked the beginning of a year-long commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Gili Air’s beaches.

Rainy Season Brings Challenges

As the rainy season begins, the beaches of Gili Air face a recurring challenge: an influx of rubbish carried by ocean currents and rainwater from nearby rivers. This annual issue threatens the island’s ecosystem and detracts from its pristine reputation as a tropical paradise. Oceans 5 Gili Air has long been a champion of environmental stewardship, and this year, the dive center is doubling down on its efforts to tackle this problem head-on.

A Community Effort

On Friday afternoon, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, volunteers gathered in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air at 17:00. Divemaster candidates led the initiative, equipping participants with bags and gloves and briefing them on the cleanup process. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable as the group made their way to the harbor area, one of the island's most affected spots.

In just one hour, the team collected an astounding 131 kilograms of debris. Bags brimming with rubbish steadily accumulated at the dive center, a testament to the volunteers' hard work and dedication. The collected waste included plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, and other debris that could have otherwise harmed marine life and polluted the local environment.

A Moment of Gratitude

As the cleanup concluded, Oceans 5 expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. The dive center also announced that this initiative would become a weekly tradition in 2025, offering volunteers a chance to contribute to the island’s well-being while fostering a sense of community. To show appreciation, Oceans 5 is introducing a new perk: a free drink for every participant after each cleanup. This small gesture reinforces the spirit of giving back and celebrating shared achievements.

Oceans 5’s New Year Resolutions

With the success of the first cleanup, Oceans 5 Gili Air has set ambitious goals for the year ahead. These resolutions reflect their deep commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement:

Weekly Beach Cleanups
Oceans 5 will organize a beach cleanup every Friday in 2025, aiming to maintain the momentum and inspire others to join.
Volunteer Appreciation
All participants will receive a free drink after each cleanup, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.
Collaboration with Local Businesses
Oceans 5 hopes to see more businesses on Gili Air actively participate in cleanup efforts. While some advertise themselves as eco-friendly or sustainable, their lack of involvement in practical initiatives like these remains a challenge. Oceans 5 is determined to lead by example and encourage others to step up.
Island-Wide Cleanup
Beyond weekly efforts, Oceans 5 plans to help organize a large-scale island cleanup in 2025, bringing together residents, businesses, and visitors to make a significant impact.
15-Year Celebration Events in April
April will mark 15 years of Oceans 5 Gili Air's operation. The dive center is planning a series of events to celebrate this milestone, including eco-focused activities and community initiatives.
The Broader Vision: A Cleaner, Greener Gili Air

Oceans 5 Gili Air’s commitment to the environment extends far beyond beach cleanups. As a PADI Career Development Centre, the dive center integrates environmental awareness into its courses and internships, ensuring that the next generation of divers carries forward the ethos of marine conservation.

By making sustainability a cornerstone of their operations, Oceans 5 is not just protecting Gili Air's natural beauty but also setting an example for the global diving community. Their initiatives remind us all of the importance of collective action in preserving the oceans for future generations.

Overcoming Challenges Together

Despite these efforts, Oceans 5 acknowledges that more work needs to be done. The lack of participation from other businesses on Gili Air remains a concern. While many advertise their eco-friendly credentials, their absence from cleanup efforts underscores the gap between words and actions.

Oceans 5 remains hopeful that consistent cleanups and visible results will inspire greater collaboration. By involving more stakeholders, from local businesses to international tourists, the dive center aims to create a culture of accountability and shared responsibility for the island’s well-being.

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement

This Friday, and every Friday thereafter, Oceans 5 invites everyone—residents, tourists, and businesses alike—to join the cleanup efforts. The dive center believes that small, consistent actions can lead to significant change, and they are committed to proving this in 2025.

For those who have yet to experience the rewarding feeling of contributing to a beach cleanup, there is no better time to start. Not only does it provide an opportunity to give back to the environment, but it also offers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the beauty of Gili Air in a meaningful way.

A Milestone Year

As Oceans 5 celebrates its 15th anniversary this April, the dive center’s leadership reflects on how far they have come and the impact they have made. From pioneering environmental initiatives to training world-class dive professionals, Oceans 5 continues to be a beacon of sustainability and excellence on Gili Air.

Through initiatives like the weekly beach cleanups, Oceans 5 hopes to inspire a new wave of environmental stewardship that will leave a lasting legacy. By rallying the community and leading by example, they are proving that protecting the environment is not just a responsibility—it’s a way of life.

Be Part of the Change

Oceans 5 Gili Air’s journey in 2025 is just beginning, and they invite you to be part of this transformative year. Whether by volunteering for a beach cleanup, supporting their conservation efforts, or simply spreading the word, every action counts.

Join Oceans 5 this Friday at 17:00 for the next cleanup, and take the first step in making a difference. Together, we can ensure that Gili Air remains a paradise for generations to come.