The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Disaster & Risk Management Unit (DRMU) proudly participated in “International Coastal Cleanup Day” on Saturday, September 21, leading a significant community service effort.
The event which took place at South Beach Canals and Pools, saw droves of volunteers gathered to help protect and restore the natural beauty of some of the country’s ocean and waterways. International Coastal Cleanup Day, the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health, occurs annually on the third Saturday of September. More than 12 million volunteers worldwide have collected over 220 million pounds of trash from lakes, rivers, and coastlines since the effort began. The mission of this initiative is not only to clean these areas but also to collect valuable data that aids in the global fight against marine debris.
Volunteers used the Ocean Trash Data Form developed by the Ocean Conservancy, which allows for a detailed recording of items collected. Pollution specialists use this data to develop long- term solutions for ocean health and waste management.
In alignment with the Commander Defence Force’s vision of increasing community involvement as corporate citizens, the RBDF continues to embrace its duty of care to protect the waters in which its operational duties take place. The health of the oceans, rivers, and lakes directly affects both human life and marine ecosystems, making this cleanup an essential aspect of RBDF’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Captain Sonia Miller, who emphasized the importance of this initiative for the Defence Force, led the team of Marines from the DRMU.
“Our [RBDF] work and responsibility as Bahamians, is not just as military personnel, limited to defending our borders, but also as protectors and stewards of our waters and marine environment. We have to ensure that future generations can benefit from a cleaner environment, but that means we have to take care of it today.” said Captain Miller.
The RBDF is proud to contribute to this global initiative and remains committed to its role as both a protector of the nation’s waters and a responsible corporate citizen, enhancing the quality of life for humans and marine wildlife alike. Together, we can make a lasting difference for future generations.
