The Scout Association of Belize

Last year the National Beach and Riverways Cleanup saw over 260 volunteers join in this nationwide effort.  This year we are happy to report that 598 participants volunteered their time to this National, or better yet, International effort.  Despite that the Data Card information came in slowly, I’m glad to inform you of the progress of this once a year event.  The event went as scheduled on Saturday September 24^th countrywide.  It was held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  Groups gathered at their worksites a little late due to the rainy weather conditions.  Others decided to cleanup the week after.  But nonetheless the enthusiastic participants were out in matching attire to fulfill their obligations to keep our waterways cleaner.

The clean-up efforts were also assisted by the generous contribution of different items like gloves, garbage bags, soft drinks, and water for the benefit of the volunteers.  Apart from the dedicated service of the Scouts the assistance of other organizations or groups like Oceana, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Department of the Environment, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, Belize Audubon Society, Belize Tourism Board and Saint John’s College Junior College clubs (GECO and HOPE) was welcomed.  We seek to involve these organizations to help contribute their time in this nationwide cleanup effort.

The Data Card information received and entered includes 598 volunteers who collected 7,769 pounds of debris in a distance of 12.72 miles of coast and river ways.  The most collected items were 5,186 individual caps/lids, 4,513 individual plastic bags and 3,915 individual Cups, plates, forks, knives, spoons.  The information was recorded on Data Cards provided by the Ocean Conservancy for data analysis and for compilation of their report to submit to different Government agencies to try and curb the pollution and contamination of our pristine waters.  Hopefully these government agencies can use the information to draft policies that are of great benefit for the prevention and control of contaminants and to help fight it from the source.  The volunteers were also treated to water and soft drinks at the end of their endeavor at the BTL Park in front of the Pickwick Club.

Below is the break down of the individual items collected by the volunteers: