Residents of Naceva village on Beqa Island have initiated a clean-up campaign focused on waste management to safeguard their coastal environment. The effort, led by the Pacific Blue Foundation, aims to promote sustainable waste practices, including waste segregation, reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Osea Vakuriwalu, the village headman, emphasized the importance of addressing waste management. He noted that repurposing tins and cans to construct their seawall effectively prevents debris from entering the ocean, tackling litter while reinforcing the coastline.
Vakuriwalu explained that the campaign is part of a larger initiative to protect the environment and encourage responsible waste management. The project also aims to educate the villagers on the significance of sorting waste into categories such as plastics, organic matter, and recyclables.
A major achievement of the clean-up was the collection and processing of tins and cans, which were creatively reused in the construction of a seawall. This approach not only prevents these materials from harming marine life but also contributes to a seawall that helps mitigate erosion and reduce waste.
The plans include the construction of a concrete seawall to serve as a long-term coastal barrier for the village. Alekisio Sela, a project officer with the Pacific Blue Foundation, underscored the importance of grassroots initiatives like this one, highlighting it as a model for others to follow. He pointed out that Naceva’s clean-up effort exemplifies how local communities can champion environmental stewardship by blending traditional knowledge with innovative waste management strategies, thereby preserving their natural environment and enhancing resilience against challenges like coastal erosion.