Norwegian embassy, environment department clean up Sunnyside
This marks the first collaboration between the two parties and Walker Spruit, Sunnyside was the lucky focus for the clean-up.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy collaborated with the Tshwane metro’s environment department to clean up in Sunnyside in honour of World Cleanup Day.
The day was first commemorated in September 2018, and since then has been used annually to bring the spotlight back on the dire pollution crisis affecting the world.
This marks the first collaboration between the two parties and Walker Spruit in Sunnyside was the lucky focus for the clean-up.
The initiative took place last weekend, on September 16, to commemorate clean-up day on the 17th.
Environment MMC, Katlego Mathebe was in attendance along with various dignitaries and volunteers from the embassy and department.
Embassy representative Sofia Micael says that initiatives such as World Cleanup Day are very significant for the Norwegian government due to the ongoing pollution affecting the world, more especially oceans and marine life.
ALSO READ: Local group wants to clean up the Moot
“The Norwegian government has taken a lead globally in efforts to reduce waste, and in particular marine litter. Norway is currently leading a coalition of countries that aim to reach a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution,” said Micael.
In addition to working with the environment department, the embassy has also recently supported the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), a non-profit organisation in Gqeberha that introduced the African marine waste network.
The project aims to reduce the flow of plastic pollution on African coasts, which will, in turn, preserve ocean resources and boost economies.
“Land-based waste constitutes the largest source of marine litter. Plastics make out the largest share of land-based waste and are often transported by the river systems into the sea. The characteristics of plastic cause it to break down more slowly than other materials. This makes it an environmental problem,” continued Micael.
The embassy hopes that this will be the start of many more future partnerships with metro, and encourages residents to take part in cleaning up their environment.
“The embassy hopes that this marks the beginning of more activities. We also hope that it encourages others to join local clean-up initiatives, like the Tswelopele clean-up campaign,” concluded Micael.
ALSO READ: Police ‘clean up’ Tshwane
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
