The Dive, Land and Snorkel Clean-Up was an initiative organised by Żibel, a Maltese environmental NGO committed to reducing waste and restoring natural environments. This event engaged the community, especially youths, in cleaning up Kalkara’s coastal and underwater areas, both on land and in the sea, using the sports of snorkeling and diving.
Objectives:
- To remove waste from Kalkara’s land and marine environments.
- To raise environmental awareness among participants and the local community.
- To foster a sense of responsibility and active participation in environmental conservation.
Description and Implementation: The clean-up event involved volunteers participating in land and underwater activities. Divers and snorkelers removed debris from the seabed, while land volunteers collected waste along the coastline. During the clean-up, 12 divers, 7 free-divers, and 32 land volunteers collaborated to clear the area.
Impact and Results: These clean-up efforts successfully removed significant amounts of waste, contributing to the restoration of Kalkara’s natural beauty and health. The events also served as educational platforms, increasing environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices among participants and the broader community.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The Kalkara Clean-Up demonstrated an effective model for community-driven environmental action. Its success highlighted the potential for replication in other areas. To enhance and expand such initiatives, it is recommended to:
- Strengthen partnerships with local councils, schools, and organisations to broaden outreach.
- Secure funding and resources to support larger-scale clean-up operations.
- Implement educational workshops alongside clean-ups to deepen environmental understanding.
- Involve more sea sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, to attract diverse participants and expand the scope of clean-up activities.
Link/s:
https://www.zibel.org/event-details/kalkara-clean-up
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