This initiative forms part of the EU's global commitment to raising awareness about the urgent need to protect the environment and keep our oceans free from plastic pollution.

The event brought together  a wide range of participants,  including government officials, civil society, the diplomatic corps, the business community, students, and volunteers from across Sierra Leone.  In total, over 750 volunteers collected approximately 1,500 kilograms of plastic waste along with tons of assorted trash at the Lumley-Aberdeen beach stretch, demonstrating the power of collective action.

In her remarks, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr praised the event, stating:  “Our oceans are at the heart of our planet as they provide air, support  biodiversity, and sustain communities. Sadly they are under threat by plastic waste. We must act by adopting sustainable practices and strengthening waste management to protect our oceans. This is why FCC is delighted to partner with the EU each year in its beach-cleanup initiative which raises awareness about the need to ensure that we have a clean and healthy city. ”

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Culture Nabeela Tunis upon receiving tools donated to support ongoing clean-up efforts, expressed her appreciation, stating: “the partnership between the EU and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs  and by extension the National Tourist Board spans over a decade. The tools donated will add to the existing ones donated by the EU during previous cleaning exercises to support the routine cleaning of the beach by beach combers”

During the event, the EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Jacek Jankowski reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating: “Every minute, the equivalent of a truckload of plastic waste is dumped into our oceans, endangering marine life and ecosystems. If we fail to act now, these impacts will extend to our own health and well-being. The EU is committed to working alongside Sierra Leone to address this crisis, not just through events like today but also through sustainable development projects aimed at protecting the environment.”

“Our oceans are facing unprecedented challenges, but together we can make a real difference. Today’s clean-up is a reminder that collective action is key to protecting our environment and ensuring that our beaches, marine life, and ecosystems thrive for future generations. The EU stands with Sierra Leone in this fight for sustainability.”

Ambassador Jankowski remarked on the privilege of having a beautifully pristine stretch of beach between Lumley and Aberdeen as part of Freetown’s coastline, noting that it is our shared responsibility to maintain its cleanliness, preserving its natural beauty not only for ourselves but also for the many tourists who come to enjoy it.

The European Union and its Member States continue to support  Sierra Leone’s environmental protection efforts. A key focus of the Development Partnership and the Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027 is the Green Economy, which includes supporting the sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s ecosystems and biodiversity.

The EU has allocated nearly €9 million towards mangrove restoration in regions such as Yawry Bay and the Sherbro Estuary, contributing to coastal resilience and promoting sustainable practices for local communities.