In Mauritius, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people, a staggering 1,500 tonnes of waste are generated daily. This alarming situation reached a critical point in 2018 when the Mare-Chicose landfill, the only disposal site on the island, came close to its capacity, receiving over 543,196 tonnes of waste. This problem is worsened by a severe shortage of trash bins, prompting residents to dispose of their waste anywhere, turning some public spaces into open-air dumps. But there is hope.
Since 2008, World Cleanup Day, an initiative by the NGO "Let's Do It," has brought together millions of citizens from around the world to clean up the waste polluting our environment. Organized every year on the third Saturday of September, this day of awareness and action aims to combat pollution, protect biodiversity, and promote global awareness of the need to manage our waste responsibly. Citizens, organizations, businesses, and governments unite to participate in clean-up operations, sort waste, and promote sustainable practices. This year, Mauritius is no exception. This Saturday, September 16th, cleaning operations will be organized all over the island. Expat provides an overview of these initiatives across the island.
North:
In the northern part of the island, Orca Dive Club is organizing a beach cleanup in Pereybere. Contact them here for more information.
South:
The collaboration between several non-profit associations, including the United Nations Association Mauritius, has led to a cleaning operation on Pomponette Beach on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9 am to 12 pm. Fill out this form to participate.
Central:
For the central region, the Yes No Solutions initiative plans two cleaning sessions on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The first will take place from 8:30 am to 12 pm in Quatre Bornes, followed by a session from 1 pm to 5 pm in Camp Levieux. Find more information here.
West:
On the west coast, Project Rescue Ocean Mauritius is organizing a beach cleanup in Tamarin on the same Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm. This event includes a cleanup for adults and a treasure hunt for children. The meeting point is at Veranda Tamarin Hotel & Spa.
On the same day, the NGO Similar Minds is organizing a beach cleanup in Flic en Flac starting at 9:30 am. Find more information here.
