ECOS: Blue Economy and Coastal Ecosystem in Kenya

Dear Donors,

we're back with some updates from the field. The National Environment Management Authority has warned coastal Kilifi County that poor waste management poses a significant challenge, with tangible environmental and social consequences. The natural beauty of the region, with its pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity, is threatened by the accumulation of waste, largely due to the lack of adequate infrastructure for waste collection and recycling. Plastic, in particular, is a significant problem, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in the seas every year, damaging marine ecosystems and threatening human health. Furthermore, the presence of waste negatively affects tourism, a vital sector for the local economy. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated commitment from local authorities, the community and international organizations, with a focus on awareness raising, environmental education and the implementation of sustainable solutions, such as promoting recycling and reducing the use of disposable plastic. Only through an integrated and collaborative approach will it be possible to preserve the beauty and environmental richness of the Kilifi coast for future generations.

Our representative Andrea Arisi is conducting environmental awareness workshops on the topic of waste. These workshops are designed to enrich the educational program of the local association Kesho Kenya, providing minors with a more in-depth understanding of waste-related issues and encouraging them to adopt more responsible behavior towards the environment.

Initially, an overview of the waste issue was provided, with particular emphasis on single-use plastic and its environmental consequences. The topic of microplastics and the concept of circular economy are then explored in depth, illustrating how reducing plastic consumption and promoting recycling can contribute to mitigating environmental pollution. An essential component of these workshops is the hands-on creative plastic recycling activity, where participants have the opportunity to directly experience the process of transforming plastic waste into new useful or decorative objects. This not only demonstrates the benefits of recycling but also fosters creativity and innovation among children, encouraging them to see waste as a resource. Afterward, participants are involved in writing a diary of good practices, in which they express their experiences, reflections and personal commitments to reduce their environmental impact. Finally, a twinning with Italian schools is planned, to encourage the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of environmental sustainability between young people of different cultures. This twinning not only amplifies the impact of the project but also promotes intercultural understanding and global collaboration in the fight against pollution and waste management.

Your contribution can make a difference and we hope you would like to be a part of this change!