Beach cleaning is the practice of removing litter, debris, and pollutants from shorelines to preserve their natural beauty and ecological health. This process is vital for environmental conservation, aesthetic appeal, and safety. A chain of beach cleaning involves various stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities, working together to achieve cleaner beaches.

The process begins with planning and organization, where authorities, NGOs, and community members collaborate to determine cleaning dates, locations, and resource allocation. Coordination is crucial, involving the procurement of supplies and equipment and the recruitment of volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

On the cleanup day, volunteers gather and receive safety instructions and waste segregation guidelines. They then work collectively to collect and categorize litter, differentiating between recyclables and non-recyclables. Waste disposal follows, with recyclables sent to recycling centres and other materials handled according to local regulations.

Monitoring and education efforts are often integrated, using surveys to assess the cleanup’s effectiveness and educating participants about pollution reduction. The process concludes with follow-up actions, including scheduling regular cleaning events and addressing pollution’s root causes through waste reduction and recycling programs.

Ultimately, successful beach cleaning relies on cooperation, public awareness, and ongoing commitment from volunteers, communities, and authorities to protect coastal environments and the marine life that depends on them.

Beach cleaning helps aquaculture and fish indirectly by improving the health and cleanliness of coastal ecosystems. It reduces pollution, preserves vital habitats, and protects marine life from harm. Clean beaches support better water quality and create a safer environment for fish. Additionally, beach cleaning raises awareness about marine pollution, encouraging responsible behaviours and sustainable practices that benefit aquatic ecosystems and fish populations.

Under the patronage of Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, the Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor, a beach cleaning program took place at Port City Beach on September 16, 2023. This initiative coincided with International Coastal Cleanup Day and National Marine Resources Conservation Week and involved the participation of Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Commander of the Navy.

The Sri Lanka Navy organized similar beach cleaning efforts across all Naval Commands, including Western, Eastern, North Central, and Northwestern Naval Commands. These efforts aimed to combat coastal pollution, preserve the natural beauty of the shores, and involved top brass and dedicated naval personnel who tirelessly removed plastic and solid waste materials from the beaches. Additionally, the Navy launched a mangrove planting campaign and awareness programs to address the issue of plastic and polythene disposal in beach environments during the National Marine Resources Conservation Week.

For more – https://news.navy.lk/neela-haritha-news