World Oceans Day, on June 8 is marked with the theme “Awaken New Depths,” shedding light on the groundbreaking efforts of the Recycle OECS Project in Dominica. This initiative, focused on combatting plastic pollution and promoting sustainable waste management in the Eastern Caribbean, has seen remarkable progress thanks to the active engagement of civil society stakeholders.
The Recycle OECS Project has achieved significant milestones, including the development of the OECS Model Framework for Sustainable Recycling, conducting waste characterization studies in Dominica and fellow OECS island Grenada, establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term recycling success.
Notable progress has been made in Dominica with the inauguration of a multi-purpose recycling facility.
The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) introduced the Zero Waste Schools Program, which has already gathered over 57,834 plastic bottles in April alone. Involving 2,800 students from 35 schools and 40 4H clubs, this program is transforming educational institutions into eco-innovation hubs with green spaces, composting facilities, and recycling centers. Additionally, the program initiated the BCRC Tide Turners app challenge, engaging students in sustainable practices through an interactive platform.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by the OECS Commission in collaboration with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Recycle OECS Project aims to create a self-financing, sustainable waste separation, collection, and recycling program. The pioneering initiatives in the two islands serve as valuable demonstrations of the feasibility of implementing a plastic waste treatment infrastructure across the OECS, with the potential to bolster the region’s economy and preserve its marine ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Grenada’s Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA) sealed a crucial partnership with hotels committing to waste sorting and plastic delivery to the GSWMA Recycling Centre, and the Grenada Green Group (G3) launched a ‘Plastic Bottle Collection Campaign’ on May 22, 2024.
Hon. Kerrynne James, Grenada’s Minister of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, emphasized the need for collective regional action in a video message that echoes the essence of World Oceans Day, inspiring joint efforts to safeguard our oceans and climate.
Wait hold on Dominica? that leading the way? what i hearing there. Because i want to know where and what we recycling.
does solid waste have a recycle program other than the schools program.
Doe s solid waste go to households like mine or even in my area to pick up recyles like regular garbage?