Dar es Salaam. Keeping the ocean clean is vital for protecting marine life, maintaining ecosystem balance, supporting the blue economy and tourism, and ensuring public health and safety.
However, ongoing pollution of Indian Ocean beaches continues to undermine these efforts, prompting strong calls for behavioral change among the public.
“Clean beaches support not only marine biodiversity but also human well-being. If we fail to care for our coastlines, they will no longer serve or protect us,” said Shabani Manzi, Environment Officer for the Dar es Salaam City Council.
He made the remarks during a beach clean-up exercise at Dengu Beach in Dar es Salaam, organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The event also featured a 10-kilometer fitness run across the Tanzanite Bridge to promote both environmental awareness and healthy lifestyles.
Manzi emphasized that the responsibility of protecting beaches should not be left to the government alone.
“Every citizen has a role to play. Those who visit the beach must treat it as a shared space. Bring your waste and dispose of it properly in the bins provided. This is a public beach; let’s keep it clean for everyone’s enjoyment,” he said.
He added that the aim is to give Dengu Beach a new look within two years through tree planting and improved environmental care.
WWF’s Head of Human Resources, Yohana Mpagama, echoed the need for greater public participation and environmental education.
“Our slogan, ‘Live Green, Live Smart,’ reminds us that environmental care begins with individual action. Much of the beach pollution comes from rivers carrying cans and other waste—young people must step up and help address this,” he said.
Mpagama pointed out that the lack of public awareness and poor waste management systems contribute to pollution that ends up in the ocean.
“We need to educate communities and invest in better infrastructure for waste collection. We also urge the government to place waste bins along beaches,” he added.
Among the volunteers, youth activist Mary Mbago said young people have a big role to play in conservation by collecting waste and cleaning polluted areas.
Christina Kimweli, another participant, warned that dirty beaches are hazardous to users and called on fellow youth to remain active in regular clean-up efforts.