EcoVision – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle

Written by Belinda Botha

When it comes to beach cleanups in Sierra Leone, West Africa, data collection and research play a vital role in understanding the impact of these efforts on the environment and informing future conservation strategies.

 Comprehensive Report on Beach Cleanup Findings and Recommendations

Introduction:

This comprehensive report presents the findings of the data analysis conducted by Propel Organization as part of its beach cleanup initiatives in Sierra Leone. The report highlights the key observations, trends, and recommendations derived from the data collected during beach cleanups. The objective of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the extent and impact of beach pollution, as well as to propose evidence-based strategies for addressing this issue and promoting sustainable practices.

1. Findings:

a. Litter Composition: The data analysis revealed that the majority of litter found on the beaches consists of plastic items, including bottles, bags, and packaging materials. Other common types of litter include fishing gear, cigarette butts, and food wrappers. The presence of hazardous materials, such as broken glass and sharp objects, was also noted.

b. Litter Hotspots: The analysis identified specific areas along the coastline that are particularly prone to litter accumulation. These hotspots are located by urban centers, tourist attractions, and fishing communities. Understanding these hotspots is crucial for targeted cleanup efforts and pollution prevention measures.

c. Marine Debris: The data collected indicated a significant presence of marine debris, including plastic fragments and fishing nets. This poses a serious threat to marine life, as entanglement and ingestion of these materials can lead to injury or death.

d. Water Quality: Water quality testing revealed varying levels of pollution in the coastal waters. Parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and presence of contaminants were within acceptable limits in some areas, while others showed signs of pollution, possibly due to nearby sources such as industrial discharge or improper waste management.

e. Biodiversity: The biodiversity assessment highlighted the importance of coastal ecosystems as habitats for various marine species. The presence of endangered or protected species, such as sea turtles and migratory birds, underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats from pollution.

2. Recommendations:

Based on the findings of the data analysis, the following recommendations are proposed to address beach pollution and promote sustainable practices:

a. Enhanced Waste Management: Implement and enforce proper waste management practices, including waste segregation, recycling initiatives, and the establishment of waste collection points along the coastline. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate communities on the importance of responsible waste disposal.

b. Plastic Reduction Strategies: Collaborate with local businesses, government agencies, and NGOs to develop and implement strategies to reduce the use of single-use plastics. This may include promoting alternative packaging materials, encouraging reusable products, and implementing plastic bag bans in vulnerable areas.

c. Community Engagement: Engage local communities, schools, and youth groups in beach cleanup activities and environmental education programs. Foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members to ensure the sustainability of beach cleanup efforts.

d. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for the formulation and implementation of policies and regulations that address the root causes of beach pollution. This may include stricter enforcement of littering laws, imposing fines for improper waste disposal, and promoting corporate responsibility in waste management practices.

e. Collaboration and Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to pool resources and expertise in addressing beach pollution. This includes sharing best practices, conducting joint cleanup activities, and supporting research and monitoring efforts.

f. Research and Monitoring: Continuously monitor the impact of beach cleanup initiatives and conduct research to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies. This will provide valuable insights for further improvement and help track progress towards a cleaner and healthier coastal environment.

1. Methodology:

a. Site Selection: In addition to identifying heavily polluted or prone to pollution beaches, Propel also includes Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River in their site selection process. These areas are known for their ecological significance and are important water bodies in Sierra Leone.

2. Data Collection:

a. Litter Surveys: Visual surveys are conducted at Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River to identify and quantify different types of litter found in these areas. The collected litter is categorized and recorded based on material, size, and origin.

b. Marine Debris Monitoring: Propel collects data on marine debris in Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River, including plastic items, fishing gear, and other pollutants that pose a threat to marine life. The location and quantity of debris are documented.

c. Water Quality Testing: Propel conducts water quality tests at Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River to assess the level of pollution in these water bodies. Parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and presence of contaminants are measured.

d. Biodiversity Assessment: Propel conducts surveys at Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River to document the presence of marine species, including endangered or protected species. This helps in understanding the impact of pollution on these ecosystems.

3. Recommendations:

Based on the data collected from Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River, the following additional recommendations are proposed:

a. Pollution Prevention Measures: Implement measures to prevent pollution from entering Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River. This may include setting up garbage collection points, promoting responsible waste disposal practices, and implementing measures to control industrial and agricultural runoff.

b. Habitat Restoration: Conduct restoration activities to improve the ecological health of Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River. This may involve planting native vegetation, removing invasive species, and restoring natural habitats for marine species.

c. Education and Awareness: Conduct educational programs and awareness campaigns specifically targeting Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River. This will help local communities understand the importance of these areas and encourage them to actively participate in their conservation.

d. Monitoring and Research: Continue monitoring the pollution levels and biodiversity of Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River to track the effectiveness of implemented measures and identify any emerging issues. Conduct research to better understand the specific challenges faced by these areas and develop targeted solutions.

Conclusion:

The findings presented in this comprehensive report highlight the extent and impact of beach pollution in Sierra Leone and emphasize the urgent need for action. By implementing the recommended strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Propel Organization can make a significant contribution to mitigating beach pollution and promoting sustainable practices. The preservation of Sierra Leone’s coastal environment requires a collective effort, and this report serves as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and informed actions towards a cleaner and healthier coastline.

The inclusion of Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River in Propel’s beach cleanup initiatives further strengthens their efforts to address pollution and protect the coastal environment in Sierra Leone. By collecting data, implementing recommendations, and fostering collaboration, Propel Organization contributes to the preservation and restoration of Lumley Creek Beach and Lumley Creek River, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

2 – Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with local government officials, community leaders, environmental organizations, and potential industry partners to garner support and gather insights into their needs and priorities regarding waste management and sanitation.

3 – Curriculum Development: Develop a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the specific needs of Freetown, covering topics such as waste management techniques, sanitation practices, recycling, environmental sustainability, and relevant technical skills.

4 – Infrastructure Planning: Identify suitable locations for the vocational school and assess the necessary infrastructure requirements, including classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and waste management facilities.

5 – Partnership Development: Forge partnerships with local educational institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and private sector companies to leverage resources, expertise, and funding opportunities for the vocational school.

6 – Recruitment and Training of Staff: Recruit qualified instructors and staff with expertise in waste management, sanitation, environmental science, and vocational training, and provide them with specialized training as needed.

7 – Facilities Setup: Establish the vocational school facilities, including renovating or constructing buildings, equipping classrooms and workshops with necessary tools and equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

8 – Outreach and Recruitment of Students: Launch awareness campaigns and outreach activities to promote the vocational school and recruit students from local communities, targeting both youth and adults interested in pursuing careers in waste management and sanitation.

9 – Implementation of Training Programs: Begin offering training programs and courses based on the developed curriculum, providing hands-on practical experience and opportunities for internships or apprenticeships with local businesses and organizations.

10 – Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of the vocational school’s programs and initiatives, collecting feedback from students, instructors, employers, and other stakeholders, and making adjustments as needed to ensure ongoing improvement and success in achieving the goal of cleaning Freetown through enhanced waste management and sanitation practices.