EU and Local Partners Unite for Successful Clean-Up at Lumley Beach
By Benjamin S Conteh
The seventh edition of the EU Beach Clean-Up Day at Lumley Beach concluded with notable success, as the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, in collaboration with local partners, took a strong stand against plastic pollution, underscoring a commitment to environmental protection and marine conservation.
This annual event, led by the EU, serves as a global initiative to combat plastic pollution and promote ocean health. This year’s cleanup was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, and the Freetown City Council, reinforcing the EU’s dedication to building resilient partnerships for a cleaner environment. Over 750 volunteers participated in the event, collecting approximately 1,500 kilograms of plastic waste along with other assorted debris from the beach.
During the cleanup, EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Jacek Jankowski underscored the urgency of tackling plastic pollution. “Every minute, the equivalent of a truckload of plastic waste is dumped into our oceans, endangering marine life and ecosystems,” he stated. “If we fail to act now, these impacts will extend to our own health and well-being. The EU is committed to working alongside Sierra Leone to address this crisis through sustainable development projects aimed at protecting the environment.”
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr also spoke, stressing the oceans’ essential role in sustaining life on Earth. “Our oceans are at the heart of our planet as they provide air, support biodiversity, and sustain communities. Sadly, they are under threat from plastic waste. We must adopt sustainable practices and strengthen waste management to protect our oceans.” She expressed her enthusiasm for the EU partnership, highlighting the annual event’s importance in raising public awareness about maintaining a cleaner and healthier city.
Nabeela Tunis, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, voiced her gratitude for the EU’s enduring partnership with her ministry, a collaboration that has strengthened over a decade. “The tools donated will enhance our efforts in routine beach cleaning. Our oceans face unprecedented challenges, but together we can make a real difference,” she remarked. “Today’s clean-up is a reminder that collective action is essential for protecting our environment and ensuring the sustainability of our beaches and marine ecosystems for future generations.”
The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including government officials, civil society members, the business community, students, and local volunteers, all united in their mission to combat plastic pollution and advocate for a cleaner, healthier environment. This collaborative spirit exemplifies the importance of partnerships in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
