Xemxija Dive & Snorkel Beach Clean-Up (WFWP Malta)
Written by: Myrabelle Corlett
On October 23, WFWP Malta in Europe joined the "Xemxija Dive & Snorkel, beach cleaning event" organized by a local NGO, Zibel (Environment, Conservation, Charitable organization), in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority. It was a meaningful time, contributing to our community’s wellness and the ocean’s wellness.
An estimated 42 young children, teenagers, adults and elder volunteers came together to sort out the trash collected from the sea bed by hard-working divers. Gloves, mesh and lifting bags, sorting tanks and shovels were provided for the clean-up.
An unbelievable amount of trash came with the seaweed. Ropes, plastic, glass, bottles, fishing lines, shoes, chains, metal, pipes and even remnants of boats that were sunk after the storms were found. This was a very reflective experience for many, when we can see directly the impact littering can have on our planet. This experience made us more aware of our own destructive human behaviors that can affect nature in a negative way. Even if we litter once, that trash does not disappear but ends up harming or polluting another living being.
A big well done to the whole crew and volunteers who worked so well with a true volunteer spirit under the direction of the team leader Ms. Bettina Macelli. Thank you to all who participated! We hope to organize and join events like this again in the near future. Let’s take care of our planet Earth!