The coastline between Swakopmund and Dolphin Beach came alive today with community spirit and environmental care as over 88 volunteers participated in the N/a’an ku sê Foundation’s Cleaning for Good beach cleanup initiative. With registrations both online and on-site at Long Beach, the event saw an impressive turnout, culminating in the collection of nearly 800kg of trash, a vital step in preserving Namibia’s fragile coastal ecosystem.
A Community Effort to Keep Namibia Clean
Among the day’s standout contributors was Koos Pretorius and his team, who collected an astounding 29 bags of trash weighing 203kg. Their dedication earned them a well-deserved congratulatory prize: a two-night stay for four people at TimBila Reserve. Speaking about his motivation, Koos emphasised the importance of instilling environmental responsibility in younger generations:
“First of all, we have to clean Namibia, yes, and get that green feeling. It’s nice for me as a parent to be here with three of my boys and a friend of theirs. They have that same feeling as me, cleaning Namibia, keeping Namibia clean, and especially our beaches, is important.”
Other participants echoed this sentiment, including Lolita, who shared her passion for ocean conservation:
“Being part of the ecosystem and loving the ocean, I thought I could contribute to keeping it clean so that the wealth and everything inside does not die because of our wastage.”
The event also had the privilege of hosting Neville Andre Itope, Governor of the Erongo Region, who not only joined in collecting trash but also offered inspiring words:
“Cleaning our environment is not the responsibility of only one society or institution. It is a responsibility for all of us. We must inculcate a culture of cleaning our environment, not just on special days but every day. A clean environment means happy people, safe wildlife, and a healthier society.”
Raising Awareness for Coastal Conservation
The cleanup forms part of the N/a’an ku sê Foundation’s Coastal Conservation Project, a program initiated to protect Namibia’s unique coastal ecosystem. Colette Massier, Head of Fundraising for N/a’an ku sê, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“The coast is so pristine and unique to Namibia—where the Atlantic meets the desert – and such a fragile ecosystem. Our founders noticed the detrimental effects of rubbish, such as fishing lines trapping animals. This project aims to clean the entire coastline and raise awareness about its conservation.”
Colette also noted how events like these not only help protect the environment but also serve as a platform for the foundation to connect with the community and raise support for their many conservation and humanitarian projects. Thanking participants, N/a’an ku sê co-founder Marlice van Vuuren noted:
“This is an initiative of N/a’an ku sê, but it's also a Namibian initiative. This is going to happen next year again. Same place, same time. Today, we’ve cleaned from Dolphin Beach all the way to Swakopmund along the coastline, but the biggest problem is actually in the dunes. Don’t let it stop here. I want to motivate everybody to please go and clean up in the dunes if you have time.”
A Shared Commitment to a Cleaner Future
The success of the event was a testament to the collective power of community action. From individuals and families to organisations and local leaders, everyone came together with a shared goal: to safeguard Namibia’s natural beauty and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.
About N/a’an ku sê Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Project
The N/a’an ku sê Foundation is dedicated to conservation and humanitarian efforts across Namibia. The Coastal Conservation Project was launched to address the growing pollution along Namibia’s coastline. By removing harmful waste and raising awareness, the project plays a crucial role in protecting marine life, preserving Namibia’s natural heritage, and educating the public on sustainable practices.
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