The Indian
Coast Guard (East) and TREE Foundation
Chennai organized the International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICC) Day this
morning between 06:00 am to 08:00 am (16-September-2023).
International Coastal Clean-up Day is celebrated world over to instil a sense
of responsibility among the general public on the problem of garbage dumped
into the sea and its effects on marine life.
More than 600 volunteers
including - Volunteers from Indian Coast Guard, College and school students, National Cadet
Corps, Corporates’ participants participated in the coastal clean-up activity,
along Chennai Marina beach and collected around 500kgs of garbage.
In the esteemed
presence of the Chief Guest, DIG Satish Kumar, TM, Region North Tamil Nadu, DIG M. S. Rawat, Commander Chennai District, Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation
Mr. Radha Krishnan, IAS and Dr.
Supraja Dharini, Chairperson of the TREE Foundation, along with Sponsors,
Heads of various Departments/Institutions, the participants were inspired and
encouraged as they initiated the coastal clean-up program.
For the past 18 years, as
pioneers in Coastal and Marine Debris Clean Up, TREE Foundation have created
tremendous awareness of ‘Threats to the Marine Environment’, including Marine
Biodiversity Conservation among students, community, fisherfolk, and general
public. Through the joint TREE Foundation program, we've recovered 114,104
kilograms of ghost nets, reaffirming our commitment to marine conservation.
Participants can feel that one individual’s action can initiate a global
movement and they too could do their part in spreading the message of
responsibility to the general public.
The Chief Guest,
DIG Satish Kumar, TM, Region North Tamil Nadu commended the importance of community involvement in environmental
stewardship. He emphasized how the coastal clean-up initiative serves as a
powerful testament to collective action and the preservation of our precious
coastal ecosystems. His words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring
them to actively engage in the upcoming clean-up efforts.
Dr. Supraja Dharini, the esteemed
Chairperson of the TREE Foundation,
discussed
with the participants on the multifaceted threats posed by plastic waste and
ghost nets in our oceans. She vividly portrayed the dangers these environmental
hazards pose to marine life, emphasizing how creatures such as sea turtles and
marine mammals often mistake plastic bags for their favourite prey, leading to
tragic consequences. Additionally, Dr. Dharini underscored the peril of ghost
nets, lost or discarded fishing nets that entangle and harm marine life. She
stressed the urgency of addressing these issues and highlighted the annual
coastal clean-up effort as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the
devastating impact of millions of single-use plastic bags and tons of waste,
including ghost nets, on marine wildlife and the environment.
Many student volunteers expressed their eagerness to
contribute to raising awareness about responsible litter disposal. Their
efforts were amplified as they carried marine models and powerful placards with
impactful.Overall the
coastal clean-up initiative showcased the diverse range of stakeholders
involved in the collective effort to protect and preserve our coastal regions.
Their combined enthusiasm and determination left a lasting impression on all
attendees, fostering a sense of unity and purpose in the mission to safeguard the
coastal environments. For any enquires contact 9444052242 / 94443 06411; E-Mail:
treefoundation2002@gmail.com
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