86 bags of waste weighing over 1,110 kilograms have been removed from mangroves on the southern side of Carli Bay.

A clean-up was done on February 2nd by the Institute of Marine Affairs and NGC in recognition of World Wetlands Day 2025.

The 80 volunteers included councillors and staff of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation, the President and members of the Carli Bay Fishing Association, Pundit Divy Prakaash Ka Sangeet and members of the Jai Kali Maa Mandir, the Couva Police Youth Club, the Lions Club, and volunteers from the IMA and NGC.

According to the IMA, the waste collected was categorized as follows:

• Religious artefacts – 575 Kg
• Plastics – 371 Kg
• Miscellaneous debris – 148 Kg
• Glass – 16 Kg

The IMA reminds that mangrove forests are critical ecosystems that protect shorelines against coastal flooding, provide a nature-based solution to climate change due to their ability to capture and store carbon, and offer invaluable opportunities for recreation and tourism.

They also provide livelihoods for those who harvest and sell fish and shellfish.