As an island nation, Sri Lanka boasts of a coastline extending over 1,300km. A little-known fact is that our coastal and marine area is approximately 8 times the total land area of our country. With 103 rivers debouching into the ocean, approximately 85% of marine litter, originates from mismanaged, land-based, human activities. With a wave and tidal action, this litter accumulates on beaches posing threats and risks to industries and livelihoods that depend upon them as well as to the general aesthetic beauty of our island nation – known the world over as a beach paradise!
To maximize sustainable utilization of our beaches, it is imperative that we take measures to keep them clean and free of hazards allowing for free public movement and recreation. The solid waste which is found on our shores is often not only of local origin but also washed up from overseas. Plastic, glass, aluminum, and rubber-based material, if collected and directed appropriately, can be turned into valuable resources through upcycling and recycling. Mismanagement of plastic waste can result in leaching and the generation of microplastics, which via the food chain can re-accumulate, threatening the safety and wellbeing of coastal and marine fauna. It is also an imminent health hazard.
Given that urgent action is needed to ensure that our beaches are constantly monitored, cleaned, and managed sustainably – with the involvement of all stakeholders, BSL led by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has launched Life to Our Beaches – a program to clean and maintain selected beach stretches. Community involvement is an indispensable component in maintaining beaches. It is an opportunity for local coastal communities to generate an additional income whilst contributing to a worthy national cause. It is not just collecting trash from the beaches. It goes beyond sensitizing and educating coastal communities on solid waste management whilst contributing to improving their living standards.
Community members, who will act as beach caretakers under this program, are Samurdhi beneficiaries. They will be trained on waste collection and segregation. The collected recyclable/ reusable plastic waste will be sold to recyclers so that community members can directly gain an additional income. Increasing plastic waste collection will also contribute to increasing national plastic waste recycling rates, which are currently significantly low. This will also improve circular economic activities. When coastal stretches are maintained clean and healthy, local, and international visitors will make frequent visits to these destinations so that associated communities can set up new businesses targeting visitors. This will be a boost to the local economy.
We invite you to join hands with BSL in its Life to Our Beaches Program – Contact us for more information.
