THREE thousand three hundred pounds of garbage was removed from the Grand Anse Beach on Saturday with the assistance of one hundred plus volunteers.
The Grand Anse Beach is an important site for turtle and iguana nesting and is located along the north east coast of Saint Lucia, which is a prime region of rich biodiversity.
The clean-up exercise formed part of the Iyanola Natural Resource Management of the Northeast Coast Project and was undertaken in preparation for turtle and iguana nesting seasons. Volunteers came from a number of agencies and from the community. Some of the agencies represented were the Vide Bouteille Primary School Scouts, CYEN, Grand Anse STAND, Desbarras Red Cross Pythons Club and JOCV.
Ms.Francillia Solomon, Project Coordinator also indicated that keeping the beach free of garbage was critical and that the clean-up was essential as it created a conducive environment for nesting. In addition she said that in order to put in place systems for the better management of the area, the project will enlist the support of the Fisheries Department and various community stakeholder groups.