Kayaking for Cleaner Oceans was an environmental initiative by Saving Our Blue aimed at combining adventure with sustainability by engaging the public in a kayak clean-up tour. The event provided an opportunity for participants to explore new places while actively contributing to a cleaner marine environment. It also included a land-based clean-up at Mistra Bay, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling coastal pollution.
Objectives:
- Remove litter from Fekruna Bay, St. Paul’s Islands, and Mistra Bay.
- Promote environmental awareness through hands-on engagement.
- Encourage community involvement in sustainability initiatives.
Description and Implementation:
Participants kayaked from Mistra Bay across Fekruna Bay and St. Paul’s Islands, collecting floating debris with the support of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA). A simultaneous beach clean-up at Mistra Bay was carried out by the Mellieħa Scouts Group and Ambjent Malta’s rangers. The event was free, open to participants over 18, and required prior registration due to limited availability.
Impact and Results:
A total of 75 kg of trash was removed from both land and sea, contributing to the restoration of the local coastal ecosystem. The event successfully raised awareness about marine pollution, bringing together different organisations and volunteers to work towards a common environmental goal.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The Kayaking for Cleaner Oceans initiative proved to be an effective way to promote sustainability through sports and hands-on engagement. To enhance future events, it is recommended to:
- Expand participation to include younger age groups under supervision.
- Organise similar clean-ups in different coastal areas across Malta.
- Strengthen collaborations with local NGOs, diving groups, and environmental agencies.
- Provide educational talks alongside clean-ups to deepen awareness.
This initiative can be repeated and scaled up to have a greater environmental impact while fostering a stronger community commitment to ocean conservation.
Links
https://www.instagram.com/savingourbluemalta/p/C-NdmwzKsIJ/?locale=nl&img_index=9 https://www.facebook.com/savingourbluemalta/posts/pfbid0HBjsQTT8o5j1xgNPUBxjPajsVd4TVF2JXWAgBtRiXqxNsuriPUvVFisHMrLJMk9tl?rdid=yC4BWVo2I9wItgJL#
.