International Coastal Cleanup 2024

Coastal regions are dynamic areas where the land meets the ocean, forming diverse ecosystems that play a crucial role for both the environment and for humans. These habitats consist of:

Beaches

Beaches are sandy, pebbly or muddy shores formed by the accumulation of sediment. They serve as popular recreational areas and natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion.

Wetlands

Wetlands are ecosystems where land is saturated with water creating a habitat rich in biodiversity. They play a crucial role in water purification and flood control.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny marine animals called corals. They provide habitat, food, and protection for numerous marine lives.

Estuaries

Estuaries are coastal areas where freshwater from rivers meet and mix with saltwater from the oceans, creating unique and dynamic environments.

From an environmental perspective, coastal areas act as natural buffers, protecting inland areas from storms, erosion, flooding and in some instances, tsunamis

For humans, coastal regions act as hubs of economic activity, supporting industries such as fishing, tourism, shipping, aquaculture, agriculture and recreational areas for local communities. Many of the world’s largest cities are located in coastal areas, making them vital centres of commerce and culture.

The threats to coastal regions

Coastal regions face a range of pressing challenges that threaten their environmental health, economic stability, and the well-being of communities living there. Below are some threats that these coastal regions face:

Coastal erosion

Rising sea levels and human activity, such as construction and deforestation, can lead to the gradual loss of coastal land and habitats.

Pollution

Pollution, particularly from plastic waste, chemicals, and harmful spills is another critical issue that plagues coastal regions.

Overfishing

Overfishing depletes fish stocks and disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems.

Climate change

Climate change generally exacerbates many of these problems. Rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and ocean acidification all threaten the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is a global environmental initiative aimed at tackling the urgent issue of coastal and marine pollution. It is estimated that 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic have been discarded into our oceans to date, with 15% of that amount eventually washing up on beaches. This year ICC is being held on the 21^st September 2024 with the theme #SeaTheChange.

Why Beach Clean-Ups Are Important

Conservation: Coastal ecosystems are intricate and interconnected. Removing trash is vital to maintaining their balance, ensuring the survival of various species and the overall health of these environments.

Reduce Ocean Pollution: Waste from humans is a common occurrence at beaches, and this can cause severe harm to marine life and disrupt local ecosystems. Beach clean-up efforts are essential to mitigate these impacts and protect both the environment and public health.

Human Health: Polluted beaches can harm human health. When the trash and pollutants gets washed into the ocean it will contaminate the water and affect the safety of seafood harvested from these areas. This contamination can lead to health issues, including cancer, in marine life and humans.

Human Health: Polluted beaches can harm human health. When trash and pollutants get washed into the ocean it contaminates the water and affects the safety of seafood harvested from these areas. This contamination can lead to health issues, including carcinogenic conditions such as cancer, in marine life and humans.