World Beach Clean-up 1996

Underwater and beach clean-up at Mari Pampun

Every year, on the third Saturday of September, it is time for the International Coastal Clean-up. All over the world volunteers pitch in to clean the beaches of their countries. Reef Care Curacao too joined in again and organized a clean-up, not just on the beach but also underwater. In 1996 the location was Mari Pampun, both because it is close by the city and because it is in the middle of a populated area where neighborhood groups and schools can maximize the participation and awareness of the local inhabitants. The Foundation for the Development of Mari Pampun participated in this clean-up day, helped by schoolchildren from five neighborhood schools.

After the opening speech by Stanley Ignacio, well known as a journalist and from a very popular radio show, the work could get started. 375 Schoolchildren picked up litter and trash along the 1 km long stretch of coast; while 104 volunteer divers did the same underwater. After half a day of hard work on an extremely hot day, spent collecting more than 2.500 kg of trash on land and 760 kg underwater, the volunteers could enjoy refreshments and sandwiches and look back upon another successful clean-up. Reef Care Curacao wants to thank them again and also thank the sponsors who made this day possible: Coca Cola, Amstel, Atlantis Diving, CITRO, Koninklijke Marine, Korps Mariniers, Limpiesa Martina, Princess Beach Hotel, Princess Divers, Rabobank, Reflective Images and Ritz. We also thank the Canisius College, Kolegio Chaya Willems, Martin Luther King School, NJE School, and the Trupiaal School.