Saving Diani's marine life: Local youth rally for action against plastic pollution

As the August holidays continue to draw large crowds to Diani, a concerted effort by local youth and officials to clean up the popular beach strives to protect marine life and promote public health.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Kwale Youth Assembly (KYA) and supported by various local groups, aims to preserve Diani's pristine environment and safeguard its marine ecosystem from the perils of plastic pollution.

The beach cleanup on Sunday was conducted by members of the Diani Youth Beach Cleaning (DYBC) and Kwale Youth Assembly officials. Together, they scoured the stretch from Southern Palm Hotel to Bahari Dhow, collecting 68.7 kilogrammes of plastic and glass bottles.

KYA Msambweni MP, Omar Nyuni, who joined the cleanup, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

"The preservation of our beaches is crucial not only for the environment but also for the health of our community. It is inspiring to see our youth taking such an active role in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of Diani," KYA's Omar Nyuni said.

Diani Beach is renowned for its vibrant marine life, including several species of turtles that are crucial to the local ecosystem.

Officials from Kwale Youth Assembly and other youth groups participated in the beach clean-up exercise at Southern Palm Hotel to Bahari Dhow on August 11, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

The influx of both domestic and international visitors during the holiday season increases the risk of waste accumulation, making the cleanup efforts even more critical.

Local youth involved in the project expressed their commitment to protecting their environment.

"We want to ensure that Diani remains a beautiful and safe place for both visitors and wildlife," said Ahmed Ali, a member of the DYBC adding that the presence of plastic in the ocean can be deadly for marine life. "It is our duty to prevent that," he said.

Following the cleanup, participants conducted a sensitisation campaign to educate beach goers about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of responsible waste disposal.

They also called on the county government to enhance waste management infrastructure by installing additional trash bins along the beach.

"Education and infrastructure are key to preventing future pollution. We need to make it easier for people to dispose of their waste properly and to spread awareness about the impact of plastic on our environment," stated Mariamu Omari, a DYBC volunteer.

The efforts of the DYBC and KYA highlight a growing awareness of environmental issues in Kwale County and a proactive approach to maintaining Diani's status as a premier tourist destination.