10 February 2008
Abu Dhabi: Volunteers and environmental enthusiasts, including children as young as six, cleared up the massive marine debris in the Mussafah water channel on Saturday.
About 6,720 kg of waste was collected in the area by the 250 volunteers during the three-hour clean-up.
Organised by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Saturday's clean up was the first of many in an intensive drive to remove debris from Abu Dhabi's coastline.
Worst spots
EAD's surveys earlier showed that the Mussafah Industrial Area shoreline is one of the worst spots in terms of the amount of waste, reflecting a lack of awareness on the part of the companies operating in Mussafah.
The area was cleared of marine debris and litter such as wooden panels, styrofoam, plastic and glass bottles and tyres. The wood waste alone weighed 5,420 kg, 2-5 per cent of the total waste in the area.
All the waste that was collected was sorted and weighed. It included cardboard, plastic water bottles and metal waste, all of which were sent for recycling.
Majid Al Mansouri, EAD Secretary General, said that the coastline is in dire need of help from all community members.
"Waste from construction sites and other sources has littered our coastline, not only causing an eyesore but also endangering precious marine life such as dugongs and sea turtles, our health and our fragile environment," he said, adding that the government is very concerned about this issue but it is not their concern alone.
Despite the filth and stench none of the youngsters backed off from the task. "We are cleaning the beach to keep our environment clean," said 10-year-old Ahmad Majdi Al Ammar, full of enthusiasm. People must not to dump waste into the sea, he said.
"Participating in the clean-up helped us realise the result of small actions like throwing litter carelessly. This is my second time and I plan to come again," added Ahmad's 9-year-old, sister Mariam. Their father Majdi Al Ammar, a teacher, said the family often takes part in similar events.
Careless acts
"It is important to realise that one careless act by us can impact our marine life throughout our lifetime, our children's lifetime and future generations. While a cigarette butt takes about 5 years to degrade, some substances take hundreds of years," said Gayathri Raghwa, coordinator of the campaign.
Titled "Marine Debris is a Silent Killer: Help Keep Our Seas Clean," the campaign is accompanied by comprehensive awareness and education campaigns covering a wide spectrum of the population, including fishermen and companies who use coastal areas in addition to the general public.
By Rayeesa Absal
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
