21 Apr Nusa Lembongan Students Mark Earth Day and Kartini Day by Keeping Beaches Free from Plastic Debris

Fifty school children from Nusa Lembongan came together on April 21, 2017 to mark Earth Day by keeping the island’s beaches free from plastic debris. The school children, all girl students from Sekolah Dasar Negeri 1 and 3 Jungutbatu and Sekolah Dasar Negeri 1, 2 and 3 Nusa Lembongan, gathered in Mushroom Bay for fun learning activities that included a beach clean up, talks on plastic waste and its impact on marine life, and an environmental art competition.

The activities aimed to raise awareness on the critical issues facing the island’s natural environment, such as plastic waste on beaches and marine debris that affect its popular marine animals such as manta rays, mola mola, and sea turtles.  The children learned what they can do to help solve the problem at their home, school, and in the community.

Nusa Lembongan’s local leaders also recognize the valuable part of the island’s youth in protecting the environment and reducing plastic waste. He also urged to sustain the islan d’s economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism “Our school children have a role to play in keeping our island clean. We should work together to make sure that our island is free from trash, our environment is clean and tourists will keep coming to the island,” Nusa Lembongan Village Head I Ketut Gede Arjaya told the school children.

The activity was organized by the CTC, Bottle for Botol, Marine Megafauna Foundation and sponsored by Bali Hai Cruises, Bali Hai Diving Adventures, Hai Tide Beach Resort, Bali Hai Aquanauts, and Hai Bar and Grill. This is the second year in a row that BalI Hai has hosted Earth Day activities for school children in Nusa Lembongan to help spread awareness on marine and environmental conservation. Bali Hai also distributed shirts and re-usable bags to the school children.

CTC Executive Director Rili Djohani underscored the importance of educating young children about the environment. “Children are the future guardians of the oceans and therefore increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of healthy oceans and preserving marine and coastal ecosystems is pivotal. CTC engages young children in fun learning experiences to care for the environment and inspire them to take action,” she said. Photo Credit: Leilani Gallardo/CTC