Two Successful Wins for Team Envi in El Nido

Beaches are not only beautiful natural wonders. They are also crucial ecosystems that support a diverse array of marine life. The sad reality is that they have fallen victim to pollution and litter, posing a threat to the environment and marine biodiversity. However, two remarkable beach clean-ups took place in El Nido within a span of two weeks. These two coastal clean-ups are a testament to the power of community action in preserving and restoring the earth’s precious coastal treasures.

The first clean-up was held on May 21. Two groups of people came together. One locally based, the other a group of educators from other countries. Together, they organized an exceptional beach clean-up event at Turtle Island. With the support of passionate volunteers, they aimed to remove the marine debris found on the island.

Bringing with them gloves, trash bags, and an unwavering commitment, they cleaned the shoreline of the island, collecting everything from plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets to abandoned slippers and food wrappers. The most abundant trash found by the two groups was styrofoam, with a total of 1901 pieces. Their collective effort and enthusiasm were awe-inspiring; they were all united with the goal of restoring the natural beauty of the island.

Unfortunately, there was much more trash found on the island than was garnered because of the timing of the stormy weather. The group decided to regroup and deal with it another day. By the end of the clean-up, both groups had successfully cleared a total of 2793 pieces of trash, leaving behind a cleaner, safer environment for terrestrial and marine life on the island. 

After the first clean-up, another was held a few days later. This time, the location of the clean-up was on the mainland of El Nido, at Lio Beach. The first group is an organization that has monthly clean-ups with their staff and volunteers from town. Their clean-ups were well known online, making their presence known not only in the country but also outside. Which is where the second group that joined this clean-up comes in. This group teaches people that join them a lifestyle that allows one to see the world, meet new people, become immersed in different cultures, educate oneself and others about the world we live in, and create a lifestyle where people are friendlier to the environment. With both groups having the same goal of helping maintain the world’s environment, they planned this clean-up to further spread awareness of the harsh reality that the world is living in: beaches filled with trash.

With their unwavering commitment, the groups equipped themselves for the task at hand. Bringing with them an application that easily records the kinds of trash found during the clean-up. By using this app, groups and scientists can learn more about the trash we have disposed of in our oceans. The party scoured the sandy shore to find a variety of trash that was able to contribute to citizen science in a big way.

The event ended with both groups sharing their stories of what each has contributed in their fight to combat pollution and littering in their respective homes. With the clean-up being a success, both would be able to share this accomplishment and spread more awareness to their local communities at home and to the world through their combined online presence.

The success of these beach clean-up initiatives showcases the power of community: no matter where you are in the world, if two groups of people share a common cause, we can make a tangible difference in protecting our planet’s natural treasures. Through the combined efforts of passionate volunteers, non-profit organizations, and local communities, significant strides were made in combating marine pollution and raising awareness about responsible waste disposal. These events not only helped clean up beaches but also left a lasting impact on the participants, fostering a sense of connection and stewardship towards the environment. This serves as a story for the educators to share with their students and the next generation.

By continuing to organize and participate in such beach clean-ups, we can ensure that our coastlines remain pristine, vibrant, and healthy for generations to come. Let these two remarkable examples inspire us to take action, spread awareness, and work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our beaches and oceans.