By: Mariama Njie
Darrell Sexstone Program Manager at the office of the European Union has said that about 80% of marine litter is composed of plastic.
Mr. Sexstone made this revelation during the International Coastal clean-up day press Briefing; held at National Environment Agency conference hall on 19th September.
‘’the EU delegation is delighted to take part for the second running in the coastal clean-up day on Saturday, and to be partnering with the National Environment Agency as well as other government agencies, local communities and NGOs’’ he said.
‘’EU delegation staff volunteers will be on the beach and we will also provide drinks to be shared through NEA to participants as part of our sponsorship and support already provided under the EU funded GCCA project’’.
Mr. Sexstone described the International coastal clean-up Day as important day, saying that’s why the EU is so keen on partaking in its celebration. “Because the tiniest plankton to the largest whales, plastic impact nearly 700 species in our ocean,” he added.
“Every year 8 million tons of plastics enter our ocean on top of the estimated 150 million metric tons that currently circulate our marine environments,” he disclosed.
However, he added that ’the annual international coastal clean-up has been running for some years and it is growing in the number of initiatives being taken around the world as concern and awareness about plastic pollution in our ocean grows.
Meanwhile, the Gambia NEA is also taking initiative to encourage proper disposal of waste.
By supporting the development and improvement of waste collection and management we can prevent the growing tide of plastic from entering the ocean now.
“As a support activity the European Commission, the smurfs and United Nations are this year running a #EUBeachCleanUP campaign to create global awareness around plastic pollution of our ocean, it is coordinated by the Commission’s Directorate- General for maritime affairs and fisheries (MARE,)’’ he said.
He called on Gambians to join the EU in taking a stance against marine pollution, and contribute to a healthier coastal life in the Gambia.
