Underwater cleanup was implemented recently at Danajon Bank marine reserve by the
Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. (CCEF) in cooperation with local government units and volunteers.
Located north of Bohol Island, Danajon Bank is the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and one of six in the world. It is a marine sanctuary where more than 600 fish species, 50 coral species, and several species of dolphins, whales, and sharks thrive.
The SCUBAsurero cleanup was undertaken in celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2024.
Volunteers collected approximately 76.5 kilograms of waste. These included:
- Beverage bottles (glass) : 55 pcs
- Beverage bottles (plastic) : 29 pcs
- Cans : 10 pcs
- Bottle caps : 10
- Fishing lines, ropes, etc: 10 meters
- Fishing nets: 50 meters
- Diapers : 3 pcs.
- Cups, plates (plastic) :2 pcs
- Food Wrappers (coffee, chips etc.) : 139 pcs.
- Appliances : 3 pcs
- Tires: 1pc
- Clothing: 42 pcs.
- Electronic waste (phones, batteries) : 2pcs
- Footwear : 1pc
The cleanup is part of a larger effort tagged Protect Danajon Project which is a collaboration led by the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. (CCEF) in partnership with the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) and the United States Agency For International Development-Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships For Inclusive Growth Regenerative Ecosystem (USAID INSPIRE). The Protect Danajon project aims to enhance the participation of stakeholders in conserving the reef.
The Danajon Bank, or Danajon Double Barrier Reef, is a recognized geosite, making up part of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark.
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day is usually held every third Saturday in September. During this day, volunteers from over 150 countries engage in removing waste and pollutants from oceans. Through collective effort, it is hoped that we can ensure the health of the oceans for current and future generations.
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