Reported by Diya Aretha, Nur Intessar, and Aina Zulaikha
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hands-on Experience and Environmental Responsibility: Participants gained invaluable hands-on experience in addressing marine pollution through direct involvement in beach cleaning activities. This engagement fostered a strong sense of environmental responsibility among the students, reinforcing their role as active stewards of the environment.
- Practical Solutions for Sustainable Living: Throughout the event, students learned practical ways to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable habits in their daily lives and in their respective schools. This knowledge not only empowers them to make positive changes within their schools but also has the potential to create a ripple effect in their communities, encouraging others to adopt similar practices.
- Strengthening Community Ties: The collaborative nature of the event strengthened ties between educational institutions, environmental organizations, and the local community. This cooperation set a solid foundation for future conservation initiatives, ensuring ongoing efforts to protect Langkawi’s natural environment.
1) EVENT INFORMATION
Title: ASEAN Eagles Beach Revival
Date: 21st September 2024
Venue: Taman Lagenda, Langkawi
Organizers: MRSM Langkawi, in collaboration with ASEAN-Japan Centre, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Muafakat MRSM Langkawi, Trash Heroes, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Buloh
Participants: Secondary School students from around Langkawi
No. of participants: 45 students
2) OUTCOMES
The Beach Clean-up Event yielded the following outcomes:
2.1 Quantitative Results
- Total waste collected: 173 kg
- Plastic waste: 94.29 kg (54.5% of total)
- Metal waste: 25.95 kg (15% of total)
- Glass: 31.14 kg (18% of total)
- Miscellaneous: 21.63 kg (12.5% of total)
- Number of reusable items salvaged for upcycling projects: 127
2.2 Qualitative Outcomes
- Skill development: Teachers from participating schools reported improved teamwork and a greater sense of environmental responsibility among students.
- Educational impact: Teachers noted the event’s alignment with environmental education curricula, enhancing classroom learning with practical experience.
- Partnership strengthening: The collaboration between schools, AJYELN, and local environmental organizations laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives.
2.3 Long-term Initiatives Sparked
- Several schools committed to regular, smaller-scale beach clean-up activities, which will be featured on the ASEAN Eagles’ social media page.
- Local authorities expressed interest in installing more recycling bins along beach areas based on the event’s waste data.
3) SUMMARY
The ASEAN Eagles Beach Revival Event is a pivotal initiative that addresses marine pollution and promotes environmental stewardship in Langkawi, aligning with global efforts to combat plastic pollution and preserve marine ecosystems, while considering Langkawi’s unique ecological context.
As a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi boasts rich biodiversity and geological heritage, but faces increasing environmental challenges, particularly from plastic waste due to rising tourism. This event tackles these local issues and connects them to broader global conservation efforts.
By involving young students, the event aims to instill a lasting commitment to environmental protection. The hands-on activities not only clean Langkawi’s beaches but also educate participants on the tangible impact of their actions.
4) OBJECTIVES
- Increase awareness about marine plastic pollution and its impacts on ocean ecosystems, with a specific focus on Langkawi’s unique marine environment. This includes educating participants about the lifecycle of plastic waste, its effects on marine life, and the potential long-term consequences for the island’s ecosystem and economy.
- Engage students in practical activities to reduce plastic waste on local beaches, providing them with firsthand experience of the scale of the problem and the immediate positive impact of their actions.
- Develop crucial teamwork and environmental leadership skills among participants, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowering students to become advocates for environmental conservation in their schools and communities.
5) ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
5.1 Beach Gathering and Registration
Participants assembled at designated meeting points at Taman Lagenda. Event organizers and the registration crew efficiently managed the registration process, distributing eco-friendly name tags made from recycled materials. Each student received a briefing packet containing the day’s schedule, safety guidelines, and educational materials about marine conservation.
5.2 JustDance Icebreaker Activity
To break the ice among students from different schools and kick off the event with high energy, participants engaged in a specially choreographed JustDance session. The dance moves were themed around marine life and conservation actions, providing an entertaining yet educational warm-up.
5.3 Safety Briefing and Instructions
A comprehensive safety briefing was conducted by trained facilitators from LADA, covering proper handling of waste materials and guidelines for respecting local wildlife and vegetation during the clean-up.
5.4 Beach Clean Up Activities
Students aged 13-16 were organised into teams of 4-6 members, each led by a designated 17-year-old team captain. This structure ensured guidance for younger participants and maximized benefits for all. Teams were assigned specific areas of the beach to clean, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the target areas. Each team was provided with reusable gloves, biodegradable trash bags, litter pickers, and data recording sheets to collected waste. Throughout the clean-up, roving educators from LADA and Trash Heroes provided insights into the types of waste found and their environmental impact. At regular intervals, filled bags were weighed and recorded by volunteer station managers, adding a competitive element among teams.
5.5 Group Photo Session
Following the clean-up, all participants gathered for a commemorative photo session. Students were encouraged to express their concern about marine pollution and their desire to protect the environment by shouting slogans about marine conservation.
5.6 Closing Ceremony and Acknowledgments
The event concluded with a brief ceremony featuring:
- Announcement of the total amount of waste collected,
- Recognition of the top-performing teams and outstanding individual contributions,
- Short speeches by representatives from LADA and partner organizations,
- Distribution of certificates of participation and eco-friendly souvenirs,
- A collective pledge by all participants to continue their efforts in marine conservation
6) CONCLUSION
The ASEAN Eagles Beach Revival successfully merged education with action, resulting in cleaner beaches and a more environmentally conscious student population. The quantifiable results of the clean-up demonstrate the immediate impact of collective action, while the educational components provide a strong foundation for long-term sustainable practices.
This event serves as a model for effectively engaging youth in environmental conservation, demonstrating how hands-on experiences can transform awareness into action. As we look to the future, the relationships forged, and lessons learned from this event will be invaluable in shaping ongoing efforts to preserve Langkawi’s natural beauty and marine ecosystems for generations to come.
The success of this initiative importance of youth involvement in environmental stewardship and sets a positive precedent for future conservation efforts in Langkawi and beyond.
