Non-profit organization Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) is calling on volunteers this coming Saturday, April 27, 2024, to combat plastic pollution in Manila Bay as part of its Earth Day celebration.
CORA Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus expressed her enthusiasm for the presence of volunteers from various parts of the country who will pick up and collect data on marine litter in one of the country’s most iconic coastal areas — the Las Piñas-Paranaque Wetland Park.
“This is more than just a cleanup activity. It’s a testament to the power of unity and purpose. It’s about rallying communities and organizations to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our planet,” Taus said.
Photo: Freepik
The volunteers will also participate in eco-talks from advocates and leaders, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing plastic pollution in Manila Bay and a zero-waste art workshop with the women of the Paranaque City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO).
The “Planet vs. Plastics” Earth Day Cleanup at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park will be organized by CORA in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN), Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (DENR-LPPWP).
Alarming statistics on plastic pollution
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Data in 2023 showed that the Philippines topped the list of global plastic polluters, accounting for 36% or more than 350,000 tons of ocean plastic waste annually.
The latest findings from the 2023 Rapid Assessment Standing Stock Survey carried out by CORA at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park revealed that food wrappers and sachets constitute the predominant type of marine litter, comprising 33% of the total waste collected. This alarming statistic is closely followed by plastic bottles, accounting for 15% of the accumulated waste.
“Plastic pollution causes great harm to the environment, economy, and human health. By strengthening solid waste management systems on a municipal level, we can recover recyclable resources before they end up in our seas and landfills while empowering women and communities through the circular economy,” Taus added.
Championing sustainable solutions
To address the country’s marine pollution crisis, CORA, together with KOICA, DENR, and USAID, is currently implementing the five-year “Enhancement of Marine Litter Management in Manila Bay” (EMLM) Project. Activities include promoting awareness, driving behavioral changes, and implementing sustainable solutions for waste management.
In addition, CORA, with KOICA, KOEM, and OSEAN, conducts citizen science activities through regular marine litter monitoring, monthly coastal cleanups, and social behavior change campaigns to address marine litter in Manila Bay through the My OSEAN Mission program.
In the last three months, OSEAN Mission cleanups have collected over 819 kilograms of marine litter, most of which are plastic-based materials.
“By training our volunteers as citizen scientists, CORA’s coastal cleanups become a powerful tool in collecting valuable data shared with scientists, lawmakers, and innovators to create policies, technologies, and systems to help solve the plastic pollution crisis,” Taus added.
To join the Earth Day Coastal Cleanup with CORA happening on April 27, 2024 (Saturday) 7:00 AM at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Werland Park, you may register here: http://bit.ly/cora-earthday24 on or before April 25, 2024.
Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) is a non-profit organization that addresses global issues such as hunger, poverty, inequality, and climate change. It strives to create sustainable solutions for a better world through community-based initiatives and partnerships. Learn more about CORA by visiting www.wearecora.org.
