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, 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.
ESFN expresses gratitude to the team at the National Solid Waste Management Authority for supporting the initiative and collecting over 100 bags and items of waste for proper disposal at the landfill. This support has greatly assisted the clean-up efforts across the two weekends of community service.
While the amount of waste removed was significant, the activity highlighted that restoring McKinnons Wetlands will require continued action. Waste that has accumulated over time can become embedded in wetland vegetation and soils, making removal increasingly difficult and demonstrating the importance of preventing waste from entering these spaces in the first place.
For ESFN, the “Do It Twice” Campaign is about more than removing waste. It is part of a broader commitment to environmental education, youth engagement, community action, agriculture and the protection of wetlands as important natural infrastructure.
Wetlands provide a habitat for wildlife including breeding and nesting grounds, support pollinators that contribute to food security, and help communities manage water during periods of heavy rainfall and storms. Protecting these spaces therefore contributes to biodiversity, community resilience and sustainable development.
ESFN continues to welcome organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who want to contribute resources, equipment, expertise or volunteer time to ongoing wetland restoration, mangrove replanting, environmental education and cleanup activities.
ESFN’s work with youth continues through its internship and environmental education initiatives, providing young people with hands-on opportunities to understand and protect Antigua and Barbuda’s natural environments. Through these programmes and partnerships, environmental action becomes an opportunity to build knowledge, leadership and practical skills.
As ESFN prepares to welcome fellow Civil Society representatives from across the 56 Commonwealth countries to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM and the Commonwealth People’s Forum, this cleanup is a reminder that meaningful global conversations must be grounded in action at home. Our work to protect communities, restore ecosystems and strengthen environmental resilience continues right here in Antigua and Barbuda, while connecting to the shared challenges and solutions being advanced across the Commonwealth.
From shore to shore, our communities are demonstrating that environmental action is strongest when we work together. ESFN thanks all volunteers, partners and members of the public who contributed their time, resources and energy to the cleanup and welcomes continued support for the restoration and protection of McKinnons Wetlands, Spencer’s Bay and other critical environmental spaces across Antigua and Barbuda.
From Shore to Shore, We’ve Got Community.
About EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network
The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, environmental conservation, and community empowerment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). ESFN works to address key challenges, including climate justice, biodiversity, youth development, technology innovation, and education. Through initiatives such as the ESFN Volunteer Explorer Program, World Wetlands Day Awareness, Build Your Future Financial Literacy Programme, Community Swim Program, and the Endeavour Publication.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Volunteers Remove More Than 2,100 Pounds of Waste From McKinnons Wetlands.