Jamaica Rallies for International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Sept 22, 2025
On Saturday September, 20 —Jamaica proudly joined the global movement for International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, uniting communities, government agencies, and international partners in a bold push to protect the nation’s marine environment.
This year’s cleanup was coordinated by the JICA Alumni Association of Jamaica in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Marine Division, with strong support from the JICA Jamaica Office and the Embassy of Japan. Together, these organizations highlighted Jamaica’s commitment to safeguarding its coastlines and promoting sustainable living for future generations.
Detective Sergeant Cohen Clarke of the JCF Marine Division helped rally the troops as volunteers combed beaches and waterways, clearing away harmful waste and raising awareness about the urgent need for environmental protection.
Jamaica’s Marine Litter Crisis
Litter—especially single-use plastics—remains one of the biggest threats to Jamaica’s coastal health. Studies show litter concentrations on some local beaches far exceed the global average.
Key causes include:
- Poor Waste Management: Thousands of households lack proper waste collection, leaving garbage to pile up in communities and wash into rivers and seas.
- Plastic Pollution: Beverage bottles, wrappers, and other single-use plastics dominate the waste stream.
- Tourism’s Impact: While vital to the economy, resorts and visitor hotspots generate waste volumes that often outstrip available infrastructure.
- Environmental Damage: Marine litter kills wildlife through entanglement and ingestion, while smothering coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds that protect shorelines.
The Fight for Cleaner Coastlines
Despite the challenges, Jamaica is stepping up with a multi-pronged response:
- Community Action: Hundreds of volunteers across the island take part in coastal cleanup drives, removing waste and inspiring behavioral change.
- Recycling Initiatives: Social enterprises and private companies are turning plastic waste into usable products, from building materials to craft goods.
- Policy Measures: Jamaica has joined the regional movement to restrict single-use plastics and encourage eco-friendly alternatives.
- Public Awareness: Education campaigns stress proper waste disposal and the importance of the “leave no trace” principle to protect the island’s beauty.
A Collective Responsibility
International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 is a reminder that safeguarding Jamaica’s marine environment is not just the job of government or NGOs—it is a national duty. Every bottle collected, every wrapper removed, and every volunteer effort represents a small but vital step toward preserving Jamaica’s coastlines.
As Sergeant Clarke and his team emphasize: “Protecting the sea means protecting Jamaica’s future.”