Protecting Paradise: Combating Plastic Pollution at Diani Beach

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Despite being recognized as Africa’s leading beach destination for seven consecutive years, Diani Beach faces a critical threat from the improper disposal of plastics, glass bottles, and other waste. This pollution often overshadows its pristine sandy shores, hindering its chance to compete for accolades against destinations like South Africa and Zanzibar.
In response to this challenge, a coalition of Kwale residents, alongside youth empowerment and environmental groups, has initiated a clean-up campaign titled “Rise Against Plastic Pollution; Diani Beach Zero Plastic Pollution.” Spearheaded by the Samba Sports Youth Agenda, the campaign mobilized hundreds of enthusiastic youths, women, and schoolchildren, who gathered at the historic Kongo mosque at dawn to tackle pollution along the renowned three-kilometer stretch of the beach.
Equipped with gloves, dustbins, and anti-pollution T-shirts, the volunteers energetically participated in the clean-up, accompanied by traditional songs and dances promoting environmental conservation. Samba Sports CEO Mohammed Mwachausa emphasized that plastic pollution poses significant risks to marine life and tourism, citing UNESCO’s report that approximately 11 million tonnes of waste, with plastics constituting 85%, are found in the world’s oceans.
Mwachausa warned that without proactive measures, pollution levels could triple, causing extensive harm. “After carbon emissions, plastic pollution is the second largest threat, prompting us to launch this initiative to reverse the trend,” he stated.
This year’s campaign not only involved clean-up activities but also educational sessions aimed at raising awareness about environmental pollution and waste management. The program included tree planting and the restoration of degraded mangroves along Diani Beach. Targeting women, youth, and children was intentional, recognizing their crucial role in conservation efforts and knowledge transfer within communities.
Additionally, the initiative collaborates with the Kwale Recycling Centre to transform plastic waste into valuable products like bricks and roofing materials. Director Dexter Agesa highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal, noting that despite numerous conservation efforts, improperly discarded waste often finds its way back into the environment.
Juma Nasoro, an officer at the Health and Environmental Research Institute, emphasized the health implications of plastic waste, which can harbor disease-carrying mosquitoes and harm marine life that mistakenly consumes plastics.
The clean-up aims to protect Diani Beach’s rich biodiversity, particularly its sea turtles, which often confuse plastics for food. Michael Mutua, the county’s tourism executive, noted that pollution has negatively impacted the beach’s prestige, prompting the county to collaborate with organizations like Samba Sports to enhance conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure.
“We are committed to working with various stakeholders to ensure Diani Beach thrives and continues to be a source of pride for our community,” he affirmed.