Uniting for a Plastic-free Sundarbans

Overview

A Two-Day Initiative to Protect a Natural Treasure
Nestled in the heart of Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is a sanctuary of unparalleled biodiversity. But like many fragile ecosystems, it faces a growing threat—plastic pollution. To combat this menace, the International SeaKeepers Society Bangladesh Chapter, in collaboration with WildTeam, launched a two-day Plastic Waste Management Programme on January 10-11, 2025. This initiative wasn’t just another cleanup drive; it was a movement to empower and inspire a community to safeguard its environment for future generations.

Day 1: Awakening the Community

The programme kicked off at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre (TigerHouse). Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh, Andre Carstens, and the EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Dr. Bernd Spanier, joined hands with Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Afia Sharmin to inaugurate the event. Their words resonated with the gathered students, volunteers, and local leaders, emphasizing the power of collective action in tackling plastic pollution.

Learning to Lead: The Education Campaign
Excitement filled the air as students and volunteers participated in an interactive learning session.

• Discovering the Problem: Through engaging discussions, they learned about the Sundarbans’ ecological importance and the devastating impact of plastic waste on its wildlife.
• Tech-Driven Solutions: Demonstrations on the C4CEM and Debris Tracker apps introduced participants to modern tools for tracking and managing plastic waste.
• Tiger Scouts in Action: Trained in waste segregation, safety measures, and cleanup techniques, the Tiger Scouts prepared to take on a leadership role in the community.
• A Promise to Protect: Students channelled their passion into a pledge-writing competition, vowing to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. The most compelling pledges were rewarded, further igniting enthusiasm among the young environmentalists.

Rolling Up Sleeves: The Cleanup Drive
Armed with gloves, waste pickers, and an unwavering sense of purpose, 250 students and volunteers spread out across Joymoni Bazar and the school grounds. Their mission was clear: to clear the land of plastic waste. By the end of the day, they had collected an astounding 160 kg of plastic. The waste was then meticulously sorted into recyclables, non-recyclables, and hazardous materials for appropriate disposal.

As the sun set, the students didn’t just leave with tired hands—they carried a renewed sense of responsibility. The evening ended with a vibrant cultural performance, where songs, skits, and heartfelt recitations reinforced the message: the fight for a cleaner Sundarbans had only just begun.

Day 2: Building a Sustainable Future

The second day was about creating a long-term impact. The focus shifted towards ensuring sustainable waste management solutions for the community.

Waste Bins: A Small Change, A Big Difference
To prevent plastic waste from accumulating again, 10 strategically placed waste bins were installed across Joymoni Bazar and the school campus. Tiger Scouts took charge of their maintenance, ensuring the initiative didn’t end when the programme did.

Voices of the Community
With newfound awareness, the community actively participated in a discussion session. Locals shared their thoughts on the campaign’s impact and suggested ways to strengthen future efforts. Their involvement was a testament to the growing realization that the responsibility to protect the Sundarbans lies with everyone.
The event concluded with a final round of cultural performances. As students sang and danced, their voices echoed a powerful message—the Sundarbans is their home, and they are its guardians.

The Journey Ahead
This two-day program was just the beginning. Tiger Scouts will lead monthly assessments of waste bins, ensuring proper usage and reporting findings to SeaKeepers. Schools and local communities will remain engaged through ongoing education campaigns and cultural initiatives, reinforcing the importance of sustainable waste management. Similar programmes will be introduced in other vulnerable areas of the Sundarbans, expanding the reach of this environmental movement. By leveraging data from the C4CEM and Debris Tracker apps, organisers will analyse long-term pollution trends, refining strategies to protect this fragile ecosystem.