Saint Lucia Rallies Community for Its Annual Coastal Clean-Up Initiative

Saint Lucia reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding its coastlines and marine ecosystems with the annual Coastal Clean-Up initiative, expertly coordinated by CYEN Saint Lucia. This initiative seeks to "reduce marine debris, protect coastal ecosystems, and enhance public understanding of pollution's impact on our oceans," says Esther Destiny Tommy, the public relations officer for CYEN. The program has transitioned from a mere beach-cleaning effort to an advocacy-driven, data-centric endeavor. Volunteers utilize Saint Lucia’s National Cleanup Guide to meticulously gather and document the types and amounts of litter at key locations, including Soufriere Beach and Black Bay Beach. Data collected informs local partnerships and supports solutions to plastic pollution challenges. Single-use plastics, especially bottles and wrappers, remain prevalent, posing a threat to wildlife like the iguana. Youth engagement is crucial, as CYEN encourages young individuals to become custodians of the coast through educational outreach and community involvement. Partnerships across sectors strengthen this effort, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.