2,156 Pounds of Waste Removed from McKinnons Wetlands

EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network’s (ESFN) “Do It Twice” Campaign has removed 2,156 pounds of waste from the McKinnons Wetlands. The cleanup builds on the 462.8 pounds of waste removed during the September 19 International Coastal Cleanup Day activity, bringing the combined collection from both activities to 2,618.8 pounds.

The cleanup brought together more than 53 volunteers and partnership support, from Antigua Cruise Port, CIBC Caribbean, National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth (ABAFY), the Antigua and Barbuda Girl Guides Association, IHO Nature Rangers, CANARI and the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund, and members of the public. The activity demonstrated the impact of community participation in protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s wetlands and coastal environments.

Volunteers removed a wide range of waste from the wetlands, including clothing, coconut shells, plastic materials, car mats, household and industrial waste. The cleanup revealed the extent to which plastic waste, larger and heavier items have become embedded within the wetland environment.

Among the items identified were bed frames, mattresses and stoves, some of which require heavy-duty equipment and additional resources to safely remove. ESFN will be seeking further support and partnerships to address these larger waste items and continue the restoration of the area. Other waste encountered included deceased animals, disposed of in plastic bags.