The Consulate General of India in Durban hosted a ‘G-20 Beach Clean-up Drive’ in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, forming part of the initiative under India’s G20 presidency.
This initiative is held to make a coordinated effort to clean up beaches around the world, with a focus on addressing issues related to plastic pollution and other environmental concerns.
Also participating in the beach clean-up campaign was the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) staff and students in a bid to prevent and reduce beach litter at some of Durban’s local beaches.
DUT’s Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku gave more insight on the students’ role at the event. He explained that the Durban University of Technology (DUT) students and staff collaborated in the G-20 beach clean-up initiative, focusing on environmental sustainability and raising awareness on climate change. He commented that DUT’s involvement and participation in this initiative is towards the realisation of the sustainability perspective; green eco-systems strategic objective, as espoused to ENVISION2030. He shared that both students and staff were excited to participate in this initiative, vital for raising awareness about the importance of protecting the natural resources and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.
Dr Moreku commented: “Students brought energy and vibrant perspectives through their active participation in beach clean-up activities and helped to mobilise communities and inspire others to take action. The active participation of students in organising and carrying out clean-up actions, partnering with municipalities, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders helps them develop leadership skills and a sense of empowerment so that they may contribute to positive change,” he said.
He further commented that students have the ability to influence their peers, families, and communities and may set an example and encourage people to adopt sustainable behaviours. Dr Moreku indicated that students, through this initiative, can help to promote responsible disposal of waste, reduce plastic usage, recycling, and other eco-friendly behaviours through their actions and communication and this has the potential to cause long-term changes in society’s attitudes and practices toward the environment.
“Participating in beach clean-up programmes and environmental sustainability initiatives such as the Green Campus Initiative creates a sense of stewardship and a connection to nature in students. Through the involvement of students in such initiatives can raise a generation that is more aware of environmental challenges and has the knowledge and skills to address them. This long-term influence is essential for the environment’s survival and the preservation of its ecosystem,” he expressed.
Dr Moreku further relayed that the participation of students not only helps with the immediate goal of cleaning up beaches, but also contributes to the future development of a more environmentally conscious and responsible society.
DUT’s Sushi Moodley was elated to help and be part of the campaign. She explained that when she heard about the G-20 beach clean-up, she was excited to help make a difference and contribute to the society and show that DUT is engaged. no matter how small.
“Many of us are just too busy to notice our shorelines and how unattended litter makes its way into the sea, causing marine life to suffer when caught in the debris found in the ocean. Participating in the G-20 beach clean-up is a great way to raise awareness about pollution and encourage others to participate in the upcoming cleanups-because it does make a difference. This is also a great ‘tool’ to raise awareness about pollution around our immediate surroundings. My motto is small efforts leads to big differences. It was an awesome network engagement too, I bumped into a few long-lost friends who also participated in the cleanup. When working together as a team, anything is possible; together we can achieve more,” she commented.
All in all, DUT’s Dr Mal Reddy, was instrumental in coordinating this initiative through the robust relationship she shares with eThekwini Municipality and the Consulate General of India. She explained that the underpinning focus of this phenomenal event was aligned to SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land.
Dr Reddy explained that in the true spirit of building local capacity and encouraging a culture of risk mitigation and avoidance, the programme for the day amplified the role of society as a collective in promoting and upholding the principles of ‘one earth-one family-one future’.
“Critical revelations on climate change and its broader implications, escalating levels of pollution and its ramifications on the marine eco-system, deforestation, and environmental degradation. The real-life learning experiences and practical exposure gained by the Disaster Management students from the Department of Public Management and Economics, who participated in this event was extraordinary. They had fun ‘lending a helping hand and being Ambassadors of Protecting our Environment and Saving our Planet’. More importantly, being able to engage and connect with a diverse group of people, from different sectors, institutions, disciplines, and many influential and high-profile leaders, sharing their commitment towards integrated and collaborative risk awareness practices,” she said.
Pictured: DUT students helping out in the beach clean-up campaign.
Waheeda Peters
