Hundreds Gather for Blue Lagoon Island’s Project BEACH at International Coastal Cleanup

NASSAU (September 24, 2024) – On Saturday, September 21, Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. brought together hundreds of Bahamians to join the Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup. This year’s event focused on the mangroves and bushes along the southeastern coast of New Providence at South Beach.

Despite ongoing cleanup efforts throughout the year, volunteers removed hundreds of pounds of trash near the public South Beach Pools, highlighting the ongoing challenge of illegal dumping. A total of 2.6 tons of debris were collected. 

Bacchus Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Public Works & Utilities and Member of Parliament for South Beach, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “We have one country and one earth. We must ensure we teach Bahamians and the next generation of Bahamians what it is to secure and sustain the environment. Unfortunately, what we see here today is not coming in from the sea; it is us,” he said. “We have a dumping problem, but it is not isolated to South Beach alone; this is a nationwide issue. We must get our people to understand that we have to stop it, and we have to stop it now.”

Groups participating in the cleanup included the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), Boy’s Brigade companies, local private and public schools, Girl Guides, Brownies, The Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Aliv, Cable Bahamas, Caribbean Bottling Company, Toastmasters Visionaries, Island Luck, South Beach Constituency members, Veolia Aqua Design Bahamas, Bahamas Storm Chasers, Bahamas Weather Watchers, National Society of Leadership and Success from the University of Bahamas, and several Rotary Clubs of the Bahamas. These volunteers not only removed trash but also collected critical data on debris types for inclusion in the Ocean Conservancy’s global database.

“The overwhelming turnout for our beach cleanup event is truly inspiring. With over 450 volunteers participating, a significant increase from last year, it’s clear that our community is becoming more engaged in environmental stewardship,” said Te-Shalla Clarke, Blue Lagoon Island Education and Sustainability Officer. “The event not only helps restore our natural areas but also raises awareness about the critical need to change mindsets regarding littering and illegal dumping.” 

The event was part of the global International Coastal Cleanup initiative, which aims to engage people in removing trash from beaches and waterways, identifying debris sources, and changing behaviors that cause pollution.

Organized by Blue Lagoon Island’s nonprofit Project B.E.A.C.H., the initiative was sponsored by Ocean Conservancy, Circular SEAS (local distributor of Coca-Cola), Bahamas Waste, Bahamas Wholesale Agencies, Ltd, Arawak Port Development, Born Free, Tropical Shipping, Power Boat Adventures, ALIV, IL CARES Foundation, Rubis, Sandy Toes, Empire Fitness, and Nassau Agencies Limited.

“Year after year, it’s been a pleasure partnering with Blue Lagoon Island and participating in this fantastic event that cleans up the beaches around New Providence,” said Karla Wells-Ligaris, Brand Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company. “It’s great to see so many young Bahamians out trying to protect and preserve our environment. I think what’s even more important than clearing debris it hopefully teaching the next generation to take better care of our spaces.” 

“We’re grateful for the support of our sponsors and partners in this initiative,” added Ms. Clarke. “We remain committed to fostering pride in our environment and promoting responsible waste management practices.” 

For more information on future cleanups or to support these vital efforts, visit Project BEACH.

About Blue Lagoon Island

Blue Lagoon Island inspires and engages guests to learn more about marine animals and to preserve and protect the extraordinary ocean environment through educational, sustainable, interactive, and authentic Bahamian experiences. The island offers encounters with native dolphins, stingrays, nurse sharks and sea lions, among many educational activities, including eco-nature walking tours that feature beautiful beaches, native flora and fauna.

For more information about Blue Lagoon Island, visit www.dolphinencounters.com.