Ecuador ends collecting 122 tons of garbage while cleaning beaches and rivers

Some 35,000 volunteers were distributed in several areas of Ecuador to collect more than 122 metric tons of garbage housed in water sources during the Beach and River Clean-up Day, in the framework of the so-called “Action for the Planet 2019”, reported Sunday September 22 the Ministry of Environment.

The cleaning day, considered the largest one that takes place in the water sources of the country and that took place this Saturday, is related to a worldwide initiative of the international organization Ocean Conservancy, in search of “taking a break from the planet” .

Ecuador ends collecting 122 tons of garbage while cleaning beaches and rivers

The activity, which was supported by local governments, several universities, private companies and civil society organizations, was developed in 294 sites that corresponded to rivers, beaches, lakes and lagoons throughout the country and in which more intervened of 35,000 volunteers, the source said.

In total, 122,810.5 kilograms of waste were collected in an area of ​​846.57 kilometers traveled by volunteers, the Ministry of Environment added in its evaluation.

The Undersecretary of Marine and Coastal Management of the Ministry, Vicente Zavala, invited citizens, especially young people, to permanently join this initiative that seeks to protect the natural resources of the nation.

“Our actions define the future we want for the planet. As a national government, we work daily to encourage participation in the construction of a sustainable, clean and equitable development model, ”Zavala said.

On his side, Datzania Villao, governor (representative of the Executive) of the coastal province of Santa Elena (southwest), congratulated this type of initiatives that link citizens in strategies for the conservation of natural resources.

“Action for the Planet reflects the true role we play in the environment. Guaranteeing the rights of nature is everyone’s responsibility, ”said Villao.

The garbage collected during the day was mobilized by local government institutions in each jurisdiction, so that it is treated as part of their waste management powers, the Ministry said.

Source: https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/ecuador/1/122-toneladas-basura-limpie-playas-rios-ecuador