The International Coastal Cleanup Hong Kong (ICC) 2024 held its Kick-off Ceremony and Coastal Cleanup Day today (September 21) at Stanley Plaza, calling on all walks of life to participate in this global marine conservation event. Volunteers cleaned up 75 kilograms of coastal garbage at Stanley Beach in the morning. Officiating guests at the ceremony include Mr. Michael Lui, Assistant Director of Environmental Protection Department, Ms Linda WP Ho, CEO of the Green Council, Ms Rose Chan, Coastal Cleanup Ambassador, and representatives from sponsors and supporting organisations.
According to last year's ICC Report, cigarette butts, plastic bottles and plastic bottle caps have become the top three garbage on the coast. This garbage not only threatens marine life, but also can enter the food chain, causing humans to ingest it without knowing it, thus affecting their health.
Ms Linda WP HO, CEO of the Green Council, said: "Citizens need to take action to reduce land-based waste at the source and dispose of land-based waste properly to avoid entering the marine environment. This is the long-term way to protect the ocean. Land-based waste can be passed through channels or water diversions entering the marine environment or being blown into the ocean by the wind. Adhering to the Green Council's mission of "conservation begins with education," we firmly believe that it is very important to strengthen publicity and educate the public to reduce waste from the source. The Green Council will continue our educational works.”
The ICC Hong Kong 2024 will be held from mid-September to the end of November, and the data collected will be announced at a press conference later.
