Waves of Change: Kidimbwi Beach Unites for a Greener, Safer Future

 Waves of Change: Kidimbwi Beach Unites for a Greener, Safer Future

By Deogratius Temba

Global Impact Transformation (GIT), in collaboration with the Local Government of Mbezi Beach and various environmental stakeholders, spearheaded a highly successful clean-up at Kidimbwi Beach.

The initiative aimed to restore the coastline’s natural beauty and underscored the urgent need for environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Through addressing waste pollution, promoting climate action under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, and fostering community unity, the event highlighted the intersection of environmental sustainability and public safety, including gender-based violence (GBV) concerns, aligning with SDG 5: Gender Equality.

The clean-up brought together a diverse group of participants, including local government leaders, students, environmental advocates, and GIT Champions. Ms. Sylvia Mkomwa, GIT’s Communication Specialist and General Manager at Calabar Group of Companies, officially inaugurated the event, emphasising the power of collective action.

“When communities unite to protect their environment, we create ripples of change that extend beyond conservation. A cleaner, safer beach is not just about aesthetics, it’s about ensuring that everyone, especially women and children, can enjoy public spaces free from threats and vulnerabilities,” she stated.

Volunteers engaged in two primary activities waste removal and tree planting. They collected plastic waste, discarded bottles, and other hazardous materials that endanger marine life and beachgoers. By eliminating these pollutants, the initiative improved safety, reduced health risks and rejuvenated the coastal ecosystem.

In addition, trees were planted along the beachfront to prevent coastal erosion and enhance biodiversity. These efforts contribute to long-term environmental sustainability, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier planet.

Beyond its ecological benefits, the clean-up also served as a platform to address social challenges such as GBV and gender inequality, reinforcing SDG 5: Gender Equality. Polluted and neglected public spaces can become hotspots for insecurity, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Unsafe environments discourage free movement and limit access to recreational and economic opportunities.

Moreover, women’s involvement in sustainability initiatives is a crucial step toward inclusive leadership and social transformation. The active participation of female leaders, volunteers, and youth in the Kidimbwi Beach Clean-Up demonstrated that environmental advocacy can also serve as a tool for social empowerment and gender equality.

Martha Ng'hambi, the Executive Director of GIT, also highlighted the organization's commitment to making the environment safe and clean through collaboration with local government. "At GIT, we believe that protecting the environment goes hand in hand with ensuring the safety of the community, especially for women and girls who frequently use public spaces like beaches. Through our partnerships, we aim to create secure, well-maintained environments where everyone can thrive without fear," she stated.

The success of the Kidimbwi Beach Clean-Up serves as a reminder that maintaining clean and safe coastal areas requires sustained effort. Regular clean-up campaigns, environmental education programs, and stronger collaborations between stakeholders are key to preserving these achievements.

As the event concluded, many participants expressed their commitment to making environmental conservation a lifestyle, not just a one-time effort. “A clean environment fosters not only ecological health but also human dignity and security,” one volunteer remarked.

Intertwining environmental action with social advocacy, the Kidimbwi Beach Clean-Up exemplifies how local initiatives can drive meaningful, lasting change one wave at a time