International Cleanup Day 2006 a dive to remember
Added to website: 28 May 2006
Once again, the Project AWARE Foundation and SCUBA divers will be joining forces during International Cleanup Day to remove marine litter and help solve aquatic debris issues. Divers and water enthusiasts of all ages are invited to take action on Saturday, 16 September 2006 and participate in river, lake, beach and underwater cleanups in their local area. Aside from being a fun event, International Cleanup Day is a worldwide effort to contribute towards a better and safer aquatic environment for all. Project AWARE Foundation organises the underwater portion of International Cleanup Day in co-operation with dive professionals in more than 100 countries and territories around the world.
“Divers have been involved in underwater cleanup and protection efforts for decades,” comments Dr. Drew Richardson, Chairman of Project AWARE Foundation. “International Cleanup Day is an annual event to dedicate dive training and skills to remove harmful debris found beneath the surface. Litter is not just a surface problem. Rubbish from oil drums and tires to drink cans and discarded fishing gear also accumulates on the seabed. In addition to being an eyesore, debris can pose a real danger to both marine wildlife and divers.
Together we can make a difference
During last year’s International Cleanup Day, Project AWARE Foundation (International) registered more than 145 underwater cleanup locations in its area alone with over 5350 participants taking part. Reports received revealed that over 52307 kilos of rubbish was removed from coastal and underwater areas, cigarette butts, soft drink cans and food containers were in the top ten of items collected again this year. If the results from previous years are any indication, more than 300,000 volunteers should remove nearly 3.6 million kilograms/8.0 million pounds of debris during this September’s events.
Why should you volunteer this International Cleanup Day? Debris is a consequence of everyone’s actions and sixty percent of this debris results from shoreline and recreational activities. People don’t realise the impact of their actions. They don’t realise where things go. Debris is a preventable problem and by taking part in the International Cleanup Day you can help influence change. Project AWARE Foundation hopes that divers and non divers will answer the call to take action and raise awareness of the needless and irresponsible dumping of debris that is still prevalent in many areas and hopes to encourage local communities to care for their fragile aquatic environments.
How to take part?
You can take part by organising your own beach and / or underwater cleanup, volunteering at someone else’s, or joining forces with another cleanup co-ordinator. A list of cleanup events is available from the Project AWARE website. Whether you’re a cleanup veteran or organising an event for the first time, please register your efforts with Project AWARE Foundation (International) as we need to know you are participating to provide you with promotional assistance and educational materials including the Beach and Underwater Cleanup Guide on CD- ROM, data cards, event posters, certificates and more.
Volunteer for one of the most rewarding dive of your life. Find an International Cleanup Day event near you or organise an event and view inspirational photos from 2005 activities: www.projectaware.org
Notes to Editors:
1. Project AWARE is the dive industry’s leading non-profit organisation conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE Foundation offices located in the Australia, United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland combine efforts to conserve aquatic resources in 175 countries of the world. Project AWARE Foundation (International), formerly known as Project AWARE (UK), was established as a charity in 1999 specifically to offer regional assistance in the UK, Eire, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Mediterranean and the Nordic Regions. For more information on Project AWARE’s environmental initiatives visit www.projectaware.org.
