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Roatán, Honduras – A massive community effort led to the successful removal of over 1.71 tons of waste from Roatán, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management and ocean conservation. Organized by Waste Free Oceans with local partners Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) and Roatán Marine Park, this initiative united volunteers, dive shops, and organizations to tackle plastic pollution and marine debris.

The cleanup spanned multiple locations, including beaches, mangroves, and underwater sites. While some areas were more polluted than expected, others, like Turtle Beach, showed promising signs of preservation. However, even in the cleanest spots, divers still retrieved over 44 kg of waste from the ocean floor, including shoes, tires, and microplastics.

"Seeing the community come together for this cause was truly inspiring," said María Isabel Salinas from Waste Free Oceana "This effort is just the beginning—through the Roatán Cleanup Initiative, we aim to drive long-term solutions for waste management and marine conservation in the Bay Islands."

The initiative also engaged local schools, raising awareness among the next generation about the importance of environmental responsibility. Additionally, artisans from Treasures from the Sea-Roatan were involved to explore upcycling opportunities, turning waste into valuable art.

Waste management remains a significant challenge in the Bay Islands, where limited infrastructure means that waste must be transported to the mainland at high costs. This cleanup not only addressed immediate pollution but also sparked conversations on sustainable waste solutions for the region.

As Waste Free Oceans and its partners continue their mission, this event marks a crucial step toward preserving Roatán’s marine ecosystems and promoting responsible waste disposal.

For more information on how to get involved in future cleanups and sustainability initiatives, contact María Isabel Salinas at mariaisabel.salinas@wastefreeoceans.org.

📢 Want to see the full impact of this incredible initiative? Dive into our social media report to explore key moments, powerful visuals, and the journey behind removing 1.71 tons of waste from Roatán! 🌊💙

🔗 Read the full report here: