Marine Litter Cleanup Campaigns

Within the framework of the Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Management of Marine Litter in the region (RAP-ML), in align with the Regional Action Programme for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (RPA) and supported by Regional Seas Programme (RSP)/UNEP, PERSGA conducted three marine litter cleanup campaigns under a slogan of “Clean Up Our Seas ". Hence, a number of awareness materials( posters-shirts, cups, stickers) were designed, produced and distributed as well as awarding appreciation certificates to each one took part in such campaigns that were launched in three member countries ( Saudi Arabia, Djibouti and Yemen) in coordination with their focal points under supervision of PERSGA and in presence of the Coordinator of RPA.

Underwater Cleanup Campaign (7 September 2007), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

PERSGA supported a diving center (Desert Divers Center) for conducting an underwater clean campaign-aligning with the International coastal Cleanup Campaign- in some sites of coral reefs in Abhour suburban of Jeddah City on seventh of September 2007, took part by 50 diver volunteers and conducted by this center annually. PERSGA contributed to development of such a campaign through providing it with cleaning materials and food to the volunteers and through cooperating with diving instructors in leading to collecting and inventorying the litter from the sea bottom.

At the end of the campaign, PERSGA awarded appreciation certificates to each volunteer took part in activities of it, resulting in establishing a partnership with one of main diving centres in Saudi Arabic. The campaign was the first underwater cleanup one launched under the slogan “Clean Up Our Seas", within the framework of the RPA-ML, in the PERSGA region.

Beach Cleanup Campaign (25-26 November 2007), Doraleh, Djibouti.

PERSGA organized, with Ministry of Habitat, Urbanization and Land Management, a beach clean campaign in Doraleh , Djibouti, on 26th of November 2007, took part by 70 elementary and secondary students from Nativity School. On the day before (25th of November 2007) awareness activities, including presentations on importance of the coastal and marine environment and necessity of its protection from litter and background on the RPA-ML, were undertaken for the students.

At the end of the campaign, PERSGA awarded appreciation certificates to each volunteer took part in activities of it, resulting in establishing a partnership with one of main diving centres in Saudi Arabic. The campaign was the first beach cleanup one launched under the slogan “Clean Up Our Seas", within the objectives and strategies of the RPA-ML, in the PERSGA region.

Beach Cleanup Campaign (9 -10 December 2007), Al Hodiedah, Yemen.

PERSGA organized, in coordination with the Yemeni Environment Protection Authority, a beach clean campaign in Doraleh , Djibouti, on 10th of December 2007, took part by 120 elementary and secondary students from several schools in Al Hodeiadha, Yemen, coordinated with the School Environmental Clubs in each school. On the day before (9th of December 2007) awareness activities, including presentations on importance of the coastal and marine environment and necessity of its protection from litter and background on the RPA-ML, were undertaken for the students in Al-Thawra School (for boys) and in 26 September School (for girls). These activities were opened by the General Secretary of the Local Councils of Al Hodiedah Governorate in presence of the Representative and Coordinator of PERSGA for Land-Based Activities Programme.

At the end of the campaign, PERSGA awarded appreciation certificates to each student took part in activities of the campaign that was the second beach cleanup one launched under the slogan “Clean Up Our Seas ", within the objectives and strategies of the RPA-ML, in the PERSGA region.