This year will see South Africa’s 19th International Coastal Cleanup.  Cleanups have increasingly become monthly events in various parts of South Africa as South Africans realise that we all should work together for a better South Africa – especially as it is the 20th year of our democracy.  In support of these efforts we are also sending out Source Reduction Plan forms based on our Tangaroa Blue Foundation Friends in Australia’s work in this field to see how we can work together to reduce the problematic debris found in your cleanupsAlso, being a global issue we are being asked by our partners in the battle internationally for support in their endeavours.   The Olympic Games will be hosted in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and due to the aquatic events and the large amount of expected visitors; there will be a strong focus on marine pollution prior and during the event.  The organisers are using artists from all the corners of the globe and we have been asked to provide them with some material.We are looking for the following material found in coastal cleanups:

·         Disposable Cigarette Lighters.

·         Balls of any shape and size especially soccer balls.

·         Plastic flowers.

In June 2013 the first African Conference to look into the issue of marine debris was hosted in South Africa under the auspices of Plastics SA, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the Department of Environmental Affairs as the issue of marine debris is growing on the African continent and its surrounding seas.  Next year will see the second conference held in South Africa focusing on the issue of marine debris in the Southern African Region.Beach and river cleanup events are a positive way to get society involved in hands-on stewardship and if they collect data as they cleanup litter, then they become citizen scientists and help researchers better understand the sources, impacts and solutions to debris in the ocean.  The annual Cleanup data report helps illustrate the problem and highlight the need for all of us to work together to find solutions.

The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer effort to clean up waterways and the ocean.  One of the best ways to support the environment is to remove debris and litter from our waterways and the sea.  The best way to remove debris from the sea is to do coastal cleanups.

20 September2014 sees the 29th International Coastal Cleanup and we are looking for support.

If you would like to help please contact John Kieser at [email protected]