The Negombo Lagoon, a vital ecosystem teeming with life, faces a growing threat: pollution. Plastic waste, in particular, chokes the lagoon, harming its delicate balance and the communities that depend on it. But there is a glimmer of hope. The Zero Plastic Colombo community, a passionate group dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, recently organized a successful cleanup project in the Negombo area.
This was not just about collecting trash; it was about taking a stand for a plastic-free future. ZeroPlastic Colombo volunteers, alongside local residents, donned gloves and waded into action. They removed plastic bottles, bags, and other non-biodegradable waste, preventing it from entering the food chain and harming marine life.
The impact was undeniable. Heaps of collected plastic served as a stark reminder of the problem’s scale, but also as a testament to the collective effort. The cleaner waters promised a healthier habitat for fish, crabs, and birds that call the lagoon home.
Not just a lagoon;
The Negombo Lagoon is more than just a scenic waterway. It isa lifeline. It’s a breeding ground for fish that sustain local fisheries, a crucial stopover for migratory birds, and a natural barrier protecting the coastline from erosion.
However, plastic pollution disrupts this delicate balance. It entangles wildlife, adds harmful chemicals into the water, and disrupts the food chain. A clean Negombo Lagoon is not just about aesthetics; it is also about the well-being of an entire ecosystem and the myriad of fishing families whose lives depend on the lagoon.
Add to that, Negombo Lagoon functions as a vital ecosystem of Mangroves which are crucial breeding grounds for fish, birds and many other animal species, while being a highly important source of oxygen.
ZeroPlastic Colombo: A Force for Change
ZeroPlastic Colombo is a community-driven initiative that tackles plastic pollution at its source. They raise awareness, educate the public on responsible waste disposal, and organize cleanup projects like the one in Negombo.
However, it is not at all an easy task to battle against the pollution caused by plastic and polythene. It needs huge efforts and collective action. That is why the recent Negombo Lagoon cleanup project encouraged every volunteer to take up the fight and join the team. Moreover, there was a lot of collaboration going on with the media and significantly with the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department in Negombo. While on one hand, it created greater awareness, on the other hand it allowed the ZeroPlastic Colombo community to gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of cleaning the lagoon.
Beyond the Cleanup: A Call to Action
Of course, the Negombo Lagoon cleanup was a success, but it’s just one step in a long journey. To truly make a difference, we need a multi-pronged approach:
Individual Responsibility: We all have a role to play. Reduce your plastic footprint by carrying reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. Make conscious choices at the supermarket, opting for products with minimal packaging.
Community Action: Organize or participate in local cleanup drives. Spread awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and encourage others to adopt sustainable practices.
Policy and Advocacy: Support policies that promote responsible plastic production and disposal. Hold corporations accountable for their plastic footprint and advocate for extended producer responsibility schemes.
Let the Negombo Lagoon cleanup project be an inspiration. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and ensure a healthier future for our communities and the planet.
Article By – Haritha Induwara
Organizing Committee Members:
Project Directors – Hiruni Aththanayake, Jehan De Silva
Project Head – Haritha Induwara
Project Deputy – Nethmi Amaya
Delegate Handling – Vonara Weerakoon, Shalika Jayarathna
Content Writing – Bhagya Chathurangi, Chami Wijesingha
Marketing – Prageeth Sandaruwan, Nadee Sankunthala
Finance – Hasini Chamalka