On September 28, 2024, the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network (CYEN) in Saint Lucia kicked off the International Coastal Cleanup with a virtual launch, announcing this year’s coastal cleanup sites, partners and proceedings. The activities began with the first cleanup at the Fond’Or Beach in Dennery on October 5th. It then continued as volunteers gathered at and cleaned four additional beaches: Anse La Voute (also known as $5 beach or Donkey Beach), Marigot Beach, Soufriere Beach, and concluding on November 2nd at Black Bay Beach in Vieux Fort. As of 2023, CYEN has adopted a unified, data-driven strategy for cleaner beaches by means of utilizing Saint Lucia’s “Guide to Planning Coastal Cleanup Activities” from the Marine Litter Management Plan (ML-MAP) which was once again used in 2024, CYEN partnered and collaborated with 19 organizations from the public and private sectors as well as 16 non-governmental organizations which included 4 school youth groups, bringing us to a total of of 219 volunteers.
While the amount of waste collected on Fond’or Beach, Anse La Voute, and Soufriere appeared to have decreased compared to previous year, Black Bay and Marigot Beach showed an immense increase, with waste collection potentially 3 to 30 times higher than the 2023 statistics (recorded in kilograms of waste collected). The increase is based on an increase in volunteers, while the decrease results from a decrease in volunteers in those sites. It was noted that the most commonly found items included plastic and glass drink bottles, bottle caps, and snack wrappers. Unusual items discovered included shoes, car parts, electronic waste, pesticide bottles, artificial beehives and even an empty fire extinguisher, CYEN has prepared a report for the participating agencies to prompt both individual and collective actions through initiatives and consultations aimed at addressing the waste issue.
Additionally, the collected data will be submitted to and recorded on the Ocean Conservancy website for coastal waste reporting in Saint Lucia. Alongside educational campaigns directed at individuals, businesses, and communities, there is a pressing need for more signage, waste receptacles, and CCTV cameras to bolster enforcement and accountability efforts. Aside from pollution, it is also crucial to address the coastal erosion at Black Bay, which poses an imminent threat to the area’s coastal ecosystem and functioning.
CYEN extends its gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and partners for their commitment to tackling the waste management challenge. We now have new and ongoing environmental champions who, with their support, will drive actionable changes for more eco-friendly practices in personal and business operations, helping us seathechange for a healthier environment, ocean, and coastal areas.