World Ocean Day Mangrove Cleanup
Sampalthivu Mangrove Area
08 Jun 2025In honor of World Ocean Day, we proudly participated in a collaborative plastic cleanup at the Sampalthivu mangrove area, organized by the Forest Department of Sri Lanka together with the Science Society of Thissa Maha Vidyalaya. The initiative brought together students, environmental advocates, and local authorities with a shared purpose, to protect one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically valuable coastal habitats. Mangroves serve as natural barriers against erosion, support rich biodiversity, and function as powerful carbon sinks, making their protection essential for both environmental stability and climate resilience.
The cleanup focused on removing plastic waste that had accumulated within this sensitive ecosystem, where debris can easily disrupt root systems, degrade water quality, and threaten wildlife. Beyond the physical cleanup, the presence of young students created a strong educational moment, encouraging environmental responsibility at an early age and reinforcing the idea that conservation is a shared duty.
Why this matters
to Oceanpick
- Protects critically mangrove ecosystems that support marine life and fisheries sustainability
- Reinforces Oceanpick’s commitment to ocean stewardship and habitat conservation
- Encourages youth engagement, helping build the next generation of environmental guardians
- Strengthens collaborative conservation efforts with government and educational institutions
Project
Impact
- Reduced plastic pollution within a biologically sensitive mangrove habitat
- Improved conditions for wildlife and natural ecosystem regeneration
- Increased environmental awareness among students and community participants
- Strengthening climate resilience by safeguarding a natural carbon sink
Key
Activities
- Partnered with the Forest Department and school science society for a joint cleanup
- Removed plastic waste from mangrove root zones and surrounding shoreline
- Engaged students in hands-on conservation, promoting environmental responsibility
- Supported multi-stakeholder collaboration to protect coastal ecosystems
Alignment to SDG
Gallery
Sustainability in Action
Beach Cleaning (World Ocean Day)
Plastic-Free Fisheries Harbor Program
World Ocean Day: Shore Cleanup
Plastic-Free Fisheries Harbor Cleanup Series (1)
Plastic-Free Fisheries Harbor Series (2)
Plastic Strainer Project
Plastic-Free Fisheries Harbor Continued Cleanup
Sampalthivu Beach Cleanup
Plastic-Free Fisheries Harbor & Community Cleanup