Beach Cleanups: A Community Commitment by Sau Bay Resort & Spa

Our Journey towards Environmental Responsibility

It all started about two years ago when the Sau Bay Resort & Spa began beach cleanups on our property. The first cleanups were focused on the beach itself. Soon, we expanded our efforts to clean the mangroves near our resort. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our active participation in the international Green Fins program. As a PADI Eco Center, we recognize the importance of maintaining clean natural habitats.

We actively promote beach cleanups as part of our daily activities, often inviting our guests to join us. It’s a great way for everyone to contribute to the health of our oceans and shorelines.

Expanding Our Initiative to Nawi Village

In 2024, we took a significant step by extending our beach cleanup initiative to the nearby village of Nawi. The concept of beach cleanups was new to the community. However, students welcomed us with open arms. Our goal was to teach them about the importance of trash removal from oceans and shorelines.

On Library Day, we organized a classroom session. We educated the students on the dangers of trash ingestion and entanglement, which can severely harm marine life. Following the lesson, we hosted a school-wide trash collection event along the Nawi Village shoreline. The enthusiasm and participation from the students were truly inspiring.

Local Champions Emerges

Then, in late 2024, our bartender Lui, who has become our beach cleanup champion, took the initiative further. He reached out to his friends in Nawi and Dakuniba to find local champions who could lead independent beach cleanups. Thanks to his efforts, Nawi has begun conducting weekly beach cleanups. Tony and Dee have taken the lead. They have already removed at least 50 kg of trash, significantly improving the shoreline's appearance at their village's doorstep.

Tony & Dee, NAWI Beach Cleanup Champions

The Impact on Dakuniba Village

Dakuniba has also started its own independent beach cleanups. The momentum is clearly building! Lui is now working diligently to encourage other nearby villages, such as Kioa and Vunikura, to participate in this vital cause.

Additionally, we plan to document the amount of trash being recovered from these cleanups. This information will not only help us understand the scale of the problem but also showcase the impact of our collective efforts.

A Community Effort

The support and participation from the local communities have made all the difference. It is incredible to see residents and students come together for a shared cause. The beach cleanups are more than just a cleanup; they foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and create awareness about the serious consequences of pollution.

A huge THANK YOU to Lui for spearheading this initiative! His dedication has brought real momentum to our project. Together, we are making a difference in preserving our coasts for future generations.

Sau Bay Resort's Lui, Champion

Conclusion

The journey we embarked on two years ago has blossomed into a significant community initiative. Beach cleanups have not only improved our immediate environment but also have educated and empowered our local communities. We look forward to continuing this vital work and hope to inspire others to join us in the important mission of protecting our oceans.

Let's continue to be a part of the solution! If you would like to learn more about how you can help, please visit us at Sau Bay Resort & Spa.