In response to the increasing level of waste in coastal and underwater environments, AZO organized a workshop aimed at raising awareness about the importance of maintaining clean beaches, the harmful impact of pollution on marine ecosystems, and the potential consequences for human health. The initiative sought to inspire collective action and foster a sense of responsibility for preserving the natural beauty of the Konnos Bay. This initiative brought together divers, swimmers, scouts, and students to learn and improve the condition of this popular but affected beach, promoting environmental and social responsibility through action.
Objectives:
- Assisting in the restoration of the natural state of the beach and underwater areas by removing waste that affects local ecosystems.
- Raising awareness among young people and the local community about the importance of protecting the marine environment.
- Instilling a sense of responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the coastline.
Description of the Practice:
The seabed and beach clean-up action involved coordinated efforts along both the shoreline and underwater areas. Participants were equipped with necessary gear such as gloves, grabbers, masks, and waste bags, and the collected trash was then sorted and removed. Volunteers from local schools, sports clubs, and other organizations joined in to maximize the clean-up efforts. The entire action was accompanied by a discussion on the need to protect local beaches and the sea, led by experienced divers, swimmers, and activists.
Impact and Results:
Thanks to the clean-up action, 60 kg of waste were removed. Importantly, most of it was plastic, but also glass, paper, and ropes. The workshop participants, aged 15-18, were deeply moved by the amount of pollution present and the need for responsible beach practices. This action created a space for debate and helped raise awareness among young people about the scale of the problem. This workshop not only improved the cleanliness of the Konnos area but also strengthened the environmental awareness of all participants, leaving a lasting impact on their views on environmental protection.
Challenges and Solutions:
One challenge was the need to manage and safely dispose of waste while ensuring participant safety. By providing proper equipment and coordinating carefully with local organizations, Active Zone Outdoor ensured effective and safe waste removal. This collaboration underscored the value of partnerships in overcoming logistical and environmental challenges.
Can it be repeated?:
Seabed clean-up workshops can easily be replicated in other coastal regions. Basic equipment such as gloves, grabbers, masks, and waste bags is required. Collaboration with local environmental groups and experienced divers is also desirable. The relatively low cost and simplicity of the workshop make it an ideal model for similar coastal and underwater clean-up efforts around the world.
Conclusion:
AZO’s seabed clean-up workshop aimed to improve conditions in coastal areas, raise local community awareness about the need to protect the natural environment, and create an engaged community. The success of the initiative demonstrates the impact of community-led efforts in marine environmental protection.
Recommendations:
For similar projects, we recommend involving local organizations to provide specialized resources, as well as incorporating educational meetings with experts to deepen participants’ awareness of environmental protection. We also recommend engaging young people as active participants, which will help create an engaged community and achieve visible long-term effects. We also suggest encouraging participants to use reusable water bottles or cups to reduce waste and minimize negative environmental impact.
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