On 14th June 2025, Tanzania joined hands with the world in the Global Ocean Cleanup 2025, a monumental effort led by SOA Tanzania with the support of the Oceanic Society. Held at Salendar Bridge and Msimbazi Estuary in Dar es Salaam, this cleanup was not just about removing waste it was a statement of youth-led action, community collaboration, and deep care for our ocean.
In just one day, an impressive 2,331.6 kilograms of waste was removed from the ocean and coastal area. Volunteers filled 134 bags across a 230-meter stretch of coastline, showing just how much can be achieved when passion meets purpose. The event mobilized 120 volunteers ocean champions from different walks of life, all united by one goal: to protect the ocean we all depend on.
What is the Global Ocean Cleanup?
Launched in 2022, the Global Ocean Cleanup is a global, behavior science-based campaign led by the Oceanic Society to fight ocean plastic pollution through a mix of online and offline action. This annual initiative brings together individuals, communities, and organizations around the world to take direct action against plastic waste while also promoting long-term behavior change. By combining community cleanups, digital storytelling, creative arts, and science-driven strategies, the campaign not only removes waste from coastlines but also challenges the root causes of plastic pollution. It is a growing global movement focused on transforming mindsets, fostering local leadership, and turning awareness into impact.
In 2025 SOA Tanzania is one of the partner to cohost the global ocean clean up in Tanzania learn more about 2025 Global Ocean Clean Up here: 2025 Global Ocean Cleanup – Oceanic Society
The Hidden Threat: Medical Waste on Our Shores
One of the alarming discoveries during this cleanup was the presence of medical waste a total of 106 used medical syringes, many with needles intact, were collected. This is not only a sign of poor waste management but also a serious health hazard to humans and marine life. It calls for urgent policy attention and action from both the public health and environmental sectors.
Learn more about our Medical waste campaign and how you can take actions to fight medical waste here: Medical waste campaign – Soa Tanzania
The Global Cost of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing our oceans today. Every year, more than 8 million tons of plastic enter marine environments, much of it ending up in coastal areas, estuaries, and the open sea. The consequences are devastating: over 100,000 marine mammals and more than 1 million seabirds die annually from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. Coral reefs, vital for biodiversity and coastal protection, also suffer from plastic-related damage.
What’s even more alarming is the rise of microplastics tiny particles that are now found in seafood, sea salt, drinking water, and even in human bloodstreams. These pollutants threaten food security, human health, and ocean resilience. If current trends continue, it’s estimated that by 2050, the ocean could contain more plastic than fish by weight. This is not just an environmental issue it’s an ecological and humanitarian crisis demanding urgent global action.
Why This Cleanup Mattered
The Global Ocean Cleanup 2025 event in Tanzania was more than just an environmental activity it was a youth-led movement grounded in hope, responsibility, and action. It served as a powerful reminder that local communities, especially young people, have the power to make real change. By collecting over 2.3 tons of waste, exposing the dangerous presence of medical waste, and collaborating with grassroots organizations, the event amplified the urgent need to protect our ocean and coastal ecosystems.
Moreover, it was a platform for education and community engagement. Volunteers not only cleaned but also learned about the dangers of pollution, the importance of marine biodiversity, and the role they can play as custodians of nature. The event created space for collaboration, advocacy, and inspiration essential ingredients in building a stronger conservation movement across Tanzania and beyond.
A Glimpse into the Action: Project Video
To capture the spirit, determination, and hard work behind the scenes, SOA Ocean Leader Lameck William produced a powerful video documentary showcasing the full day of action. The video takes you through the cleanup efforts, community engagement, and the dedication of Tanzania’s youth to ocean protection.
📽️ Watch the video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9ThwGvPzC/?igsh=MW8zYW9ucmdmeHcxaw==
Local Ocean Champion Spotlight: Nasra Nurdin
Among the many youth leaders, Nasra Nurdin stood out as a local ocean champion, advocating passionately for marine conservation. Her video message during the cleanup speaks to the role of youth, especially young women, in driving the blue movement forward.
Our Work Caught National Attention
The event’s impact extended beyond the coastline. It was featured in national media, including The Guardian Newspaper (18th June 2025 edition), and aired on Dar es Salaam News.
📰 Read the story in The Guardian Tanzania newspaper of 18th June 2025
📺 Watch the news coverage here:
👉 https://youtu.be/_Cf36e4h2wA?si=3IDJqRU3d-DwOvHr
This national attention helps amplify the importance of local environmental efforts and urges stakeholders to invest more in ocean protection.
The Power of Local Partnerships
This cleanup was only possible thanks to the incredible collaboration of local organizations and community members. Partners included:
Youth in Technology and Engineering, Slipway Coral Reef Restoration, ForumCC, Tanzania Youth Alliance and Food Systems, Sanamare, and Blue Horizon — each bringing energy, resources, and deep commitment to ocean health.
Meet the Ocean Leaders behind the effort
From SOA Tanzania Ocean Leaders: Elidaima Jackson, Abdul, Moses Fupi, Emmanuel Kato, Jadidu Salvatory, Lameck William and Lilian Philbert.
From SOA Tanzania staff team: Herberth George (Project lead), Paul Matonya, Nasra Nurdin and Ailars David worked together to organize logistics, mobilize volunteers and coordinate with partners for maximum impact.
Moving Forward
SOA Tanzania is committed to making ocean conservation more than just a moment — we aim to build a movement. While cleanup events like the Global Ocean Cleanup 2025 are crucial, our long-term vision focuses on sustained community engagement, targeted campaigns, and policy influence to protect marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
As part of this vision, we are advancing two major initiatives:
First, our Ocean Cleanup Project continues to focus on organizing regular community-based cleanups along Tanzania’s coastline, particularly in highly polluted urban estuaries like Msimbazi. We aim to build capacity among youth and local groups, educate communities on waste management and segregation, and influence municipal policies for better coastal waste infrastructure. The project also integrates data collection to track the types of waste most commonly found — to guide long-term mitigation efforts.
🔗 Learn more about the Ocean Cleanup Project here: Our Ocean Cleanup Projects – Soa Tanzania
Secondly, in response to the alarming discovery of 106 medical syringes during the June 14 cleanup, SOA Tanzania has launched a Medical Waste Awareness Campaign. This campaign seeks to raise national awareness about the improper disposal of medical waste and its risks to both human health and marine ecosystems. We are working to engage healthcare institutions, municipal waste authorities, and environmental regulators, while also educating the public on the dangers of used medical materials ending up in the ocean. Through this campaign, we hope to push for safe disposal practices, stricter regulations, and improved waste management systems in coastal communities.
🔗 Learn more about the Medical Waste Campaign here: Medical waste campaign – Soa Tanzania
We also continue to deepen youth involvement by training future ocean leaders through initiatives like our Ocean Bootcamp, engaging them in climate justice, deep-sea protection, and blue economy campaigns. With ongoing support from partners, media platforms, and global networks, SOA Tanzania remains committed to building a more resilient, informed, and ocean-friendly future for all.
The ocean is our life support system — and it’s up to all of us to protect it.