Beach cleaning activity launched at Gopalpur to sensitise youths on World Water Day

Gopalpur: In observance of World Water Day, Youth4Water Plus and UNICEF organised a beach cleaning activity yesterday to combat climate change and protect our oceans.

The event took place from 7 AM to 11 AM. As many as 200 youths across the state congregated at Gopalpur beach to sensitise the youths about the plogging which can help fight climate change.

The impact of climate change on our oceans and beaches is becoming increasingly evident, with rising temperatures and sea levels, increased ocean acidity, and more frequent extreme weather events. Plastic waste and other pollutants on our beaches not only harm marine life but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and worsen the effects of climate change.

The beach cleaning activity: ‘SAVE BLUE, LIVE GREEN- Driving the passion & energy of youth for action’ was led by the Climate Man of Odisha Satyabrata Samal, jointly organised by Sattvic Soul, UNICEF, PANTISS, Youth4Water Plus, to educate young people about the importance of plogging in combating climate change.

As part of the UNICEF-supported Youth4Water Plus campaign, this activity is aligned with the UN Water Conference and World Water Day. This World Water Day, youths were engaged to remove trash and debris from beaches, waterways and other water bodies, to identify the sources of the litter, accelerate to change behaviors that cause pollution and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

In addition to the beach cleaning, there was a yoga session led by Abhishek Mohanty, and its impact on support in stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep. After, an awareness session was led by Satyabrata Samal on climate change, its impact on our oceans, and ways individuals can take action to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Satyabrata Samal said,” The motive behind this beach cleaning was to remind ourselves of the vital role that oceans and water bodies play in sustaining life on Earth. Over 70% of our planet covered in water, it is crucial that we take responsibility for keeping our oceans and beaches clean and free from pollution. Youths participation in this activity, we not only helped protect the marine ecosystem but also spread awareness about the urgent need to preserve our water resources for future generations.”

Abhishek Mohanty, anchor, fitness expert and Youth4Water Plus ambassador said, “A healthy mind and healthy body are not possible without a healthy environment. I am proud to be a part of Youth4Water Plus and contribute towards channelling the energy of youth towards making the earth cleaner, greener, and bluer.”

Jyoti Sharma, Program Director, Youth4Water Plus said, “It is heartening to see youth set the pace for climate action and participate in the UN Water Conference 2023. Through Youth4Water Plus we want to connect youth across the globe and empower them to be climate change leaders for their communities and the world.