CESPAD is proud to share our remarkable journey in addressing plastic pollution during the momentous 50th anniversary of World Environment Day (WED)centered on beating plastic pollution. Globally, more than 430 million tones of plastic are produced annually, with a 19-23 million tonnes ending up in lakes, rivers and seas annually. The urgency to combat this crisis became the rallying call during WED celebrations held in Côte d’Ivoire, and our efforts were echoed locally in Nakuru County.
As advocates for sustainable change, our passionate CESPAD staff members engaged in various activities that resonated with different stakeholders. The Executive Director, Madam Ashah Shaaban, took the opportunity to educate school students on the vital role of planting and growing trees to ensure water and food security. By instilling these values early on, we are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will actively contribute to combating plastic pollution.
In line with the WED spirit, our Western Kenya Water Project (WKWP) team played a significant role in driving change at the county level. Collaborating with government officials in Kisii County, with efforts to crack down on plastic pollution restored. The stakeholders took part in joint river clean up initiative at Nyakomisaro river. By taking a stand against plastic waste, the government put a notice to the local traders on the crackdown operation against the banned paper bags that had made a comeback into the country and were popular in the markets.
The Nyakomisaro WRUA chairman addressed the media on the need of preserving riparian lands and protecting rivers and springs. Through these efforts, we will promote a more profound sense of accountability and responsibility for protecting our water resources.
CESPAD representatives Judith and Delphina actively participated in the Nanyuki WED celebrations. Engaging in a town clean-up exercise and raising awareness about the importance of reusing and recycling plastic waste. By inspiring behavioral change within the community, we are driving tangible progress towards a more sustainable future.
At CESPAD, we firmly believe that collective action is the key to success. Together, we can beat plastic pollution and through education, advocacy, and community engagement we can protect our environment and combat plastic pollution.
