#01 Local Marine Conservation Activities
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Damage caused by household waste on the marine ecosystem is becoming increasingly severe. Plastic waste’s negative impact on the ecosystem is significant. Common plastic waste from PET bottles and plastic bags accounts for 9 to 14 million tons annually flow into the ocean, without decomposing for over 400 years. Overtime when plastic degrades, it becomes tiny plastic fragments measuring less than 5mm known as microplastics, which accumulate in seabeds and coastlines. Tragically, more than one million birds and over 100,000 marine mammals lose their lives every year due to the ingestion of these harmful microplastics.
Uwakai Preservation Project <Start>
The Uwakai Preservation Project was launched with the aim to promote the conservation of both the ocean and forests, recognizing that a rich sea is nurtured by an abundant forest.
Our mission is to safeguard the sea’s richness. The Clean Sea is Our Face, reflects our heartfelt desire to protect the sea surrounding our local community.
PROJECT OUTCOME
In 2021, we collected 34.2 kg of marine waste (of which 24.4 kg was plastic). And in 2022, we collected 194.4 kg (of which 136.6 kg was plastic), a 5.7-fold increase. The amount collected in 2021 was equivalent to one small truckload, while the amount collected in 2022 was five truckloads.
| DATE | LOCATION | COLLECT WASTE (PLASTICS) | BREAKDOWN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021.09 | Sunokawa Coast | 34.2 kg ( 24.4 ㎏ ) |
ropes, floats, PET bottles, plastic containers, bottles, cans
|
| 2022.10 | Sunokawa Coast | 194.4 kg ( 136.6 ㎏ ) |
nets, ropes, floats, PET bottles, plastic containers, bottles, cans, driftwood
|
FUTURE PROSPECTS
- Continue beach cleaning activities.
- Implement forest conservation activities.
- Staff Comment
- While many people want to protect the environment, it can be challengingc to act. What are your thoughts?
- “I want to continue our efforts so that each individual becomes a catalyst for addressing environmental issues and realizes that the beautiful natural environment surrounding the Uwa Sea should not be taken for granted but instead passed down to future generations.”
