European Union Joins International Coastal Cleanup Effort in Jamaica to Protect Marine Ecosystems

European Union Joins International Coastal Cleanup Effort in Jamaica to Protect Marine Ecosystems

In a strong show of commitment to environmental sustainability, the European Union (EU) once again joined volunteers across Jamaica for International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2025, coordinated locally by the Jamaica Environment Trust.

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, #TeamEuropeanUnion joined over 700 volunteers at the Palisadoes Go Kart Track in Kingston to collect and remove over 5000 lbs of waste from the coastline. The event brought together local communities, environmental organizations and international partners to tackle the growing problem of marine pollution and raise awareness about the importance of preserving coastal and marine ecosystems.

Piotr Byczkowski, Chargé d' Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, was pleased with the collaboration.

"The EU is proud to support International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 in Jamaica as part of our ongoing commitment to addressing environmental degradation and promoting biodiversity. Together, we can advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure the protection of coastal ecosystems for future generations."

With some 37 million tonnes of plastic waste estimated to reach the ocean annually by 2040, initiatives like ICC are crucial, not only for removing debris but also for supporting global research.

Data collected during the global clean-up campaign informs legislation, strengthens public awareness, and helps identify the sources of pollution.

By protecting Jamaica's coasts, we not only protect local biodiversity but also make an important contribution to global sustainability, ensuring that our natural environment can thrive for generations to come.

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