2023 ASEZ Blue Carbon Cleanup
June 29, 2023
2023 ASEZ Blue Carbon Cleanup at East Coast Park Beach
On 29th June 2023, ASEZ volunteers gathered to clean up the East Coast Park Beach. ASEZ is an international volunteer group consisting of university student volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God. In Singapore, ASEZ works closely with the Public Hygiene Council (PHC) to organise cleanups on the beaches and in the heartland areas. This cleanup was part of the ASEZ Blue Carbon (ABC) Movement which aims to protect blue carbon ecosystems worldwide. Blue carbon is the concept of managing carbon movement and storage in marine systems, like mangroves and seagrasses.
East Coast Park Beach, located in the southeastern part of Singapore, is a popular spot for residents. It features seagrasses and coral reefs that help store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because the park and beach are frequently used, ongoing efforts are needed to keep them clean.
The volunteers assembled at 9:45 am, took up their cleanup tools and commenced the beach cleanup at designated areas. They diligently picked up trash from the road, the grass patches of the park, and the beach itself. Common items included cigarette butts and plastic food wrappers. When such litter covers seagrasses and coral reefs, it blocks sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. This can lead to reduced plant health and growth.
While some litter came from beach visitors, others were washed up from the ocean. This highlighted that littering is a global issue, not just a local one, and requires worldwide efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. The cleanup concluded with multiple bags of trash being collected.
ASEZ Blue Carbon Movement
To raise awareness on environmental protection, ASEZ volunteers set up an information sharing corner, explaining to visitors the concept of the Blue Carbon movement and the importance of everyone’s effort. The 2023 ASEZ Blue Carbon Cleanup Event demonstrated the power of collective action and international solidarity in working towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. ASEZ volunteers will continue their efforts to protect blue carbon ecosystems.
