Initiatives Océanes 2016 - Fénérive-Est

The NGO JADE, in collaboration with the NGO Surfrider Foundation Europe, organized a cleanup operation on the "La piscine" beach in Fénérive-Est, Madagascar, on April 16, 2016, as part of their "Initiatives Océanes" project aimed at raising public awareness of marine pollution. Students from several local schools were mobilized to take part in the operation and received education on the harmful effects of non-biodegradable waste. The main objective of the operation was to clean the beach and restore it to its natural state in order to make it more pleasant for residents and tourists.

The project was preceded by on-site preparations by members of the NGO JADE. On the day of the operation, participants received a playful introduction to environmental pollution, then cleaned the beach for two hours. The project was also joined by another environmental association based in Toamasina: Varecia. Refreshments were distributed to participants after the operation. Since 2009, the NGO Surfrider Foundation Europe has been working with the NGO JADE to raise public awareness of marine pollution and the need to clean beaches and rivers.

The "Initiatives Océanes" 2016 project was carried out with the participation of 152 people, including 140 high school and middle school students from Fénérive-Est and the Varecia association of the University of Toamasina. Participants were able to collect about 2 cubic meters of non-biodegradable waste, mainly plastic, during the event. They also cleaned about 300 meters of beach and waterfront, leaving biodegradable waste such as wood in place. Despite this, the NGO JADE managed to meet the project's logistical and communication needs with minimal financial resources. They spent 507,700 MGA, or about 145 €, to cover the expenses related to the event, which is remarkable for a project of this scale.