JCI Sunway Damansara is a local chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global non-profit organization that empowers young people to create positive change. This time, it dedicates itself to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection, with a particular passion for UNSDG 14: Life Below Water. But, what are the JCI initiatives to raise awareness about the impact of pollution on our sea world in 2023?
JCI Initiatives In 2023 For The Better Sustainable Future
In 2023, JCI Sunway Damansara started on their initiatives to promote UNSDG 14 actively. The participants also seized the opportunity to gather data on marine life and pollution levels, actively sharing this information with relevant organizations to boost conservation efforts.
1. Clean Up Pantai Cunang
Images via JCI Sunway Damansara
The first initiative was Clean Up Pantai Cunang. It was held on 17 June 2023 at Pantai Cunang Tanjung Sepat. This beach clean-up effort was a huge success thanks to 28 committed volunteers. They demonstrated their dedication to environmental care and community involvement by removing 202.9 kg of non-beach waste.
The initiative aligns with UNSDG 14’s goals to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, urging collective action to address the challenges of marine pollution and ecosystem degradation.
The Collaboration With Orang Asli Pantai Cunang Tanjung Sepat
Images via JCI Sunway Damansara
The collaboration between Tanjung Sepat’s Orang Asli community and JCI Sunway Damansara is an excellent example of the power of unity. They’ve made a major impact in the campaign against ocean pollution and preserving the environment. Their devotion to this goal of UNSDG 14 is an example of encouraging others to join and lead a cleaner future.
The Challenges Faced During The Program
Images via JCI Sunway Damansara
Despite ongoing awareness and trash management actions, there is still general concern about waste disposal and its effects on the environment. Pantai Cunang, sadly, is not an exception. Since it still struggles with an ongoing flow of floating trash that destroys its natural beauty.
The Orang Asli population in Pantai Cunang realized how important it is to protect the marine environment. Until now, they have been involved in beach clean-ups. Their constant commitment has drastically lessened the harm that trash build-up causes to the environment.
2. Aboriginal Beach Cleaning 2.0 @ Pantai Cunang
Image via JCI Sunway Damansara
After the first beach cleaning in June, Pantai Cunang once again witnessed the powerful Aboriginal Beach Cleaning 2.0. This program was organized by the dedicated members of JCI Sunway Damansara, on 24 September 2023. This second version brought 49 volunteers from Kuala Lumpur and 15 Pantai Cunang Aborigines all together.
The Purpose Of This Participation
Images via JCI Sunway Damansara
This program is a wonderful example of a community working together and active environmental management. It also shows JCI Sunway Damansara’s commitment to Pantai Cunang’s well-being. It emphasizes the value of working together to protect our planet and underlines our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for coastal areas.
The Outcomes From Beach Cleaning 2.0
Images via JCI Sunway Damansara
These eager volunteers carefully cleared over 472.20 kg of different rubbish off the shoreline over four hours. A wide range of trash was gathered, including 44.2 kg of waste plastic, 114 kg of ropes, and 23 kg of broken glass. There were also 225.5 kg of other trash, 48.5 kg of fiber materials, 13 kg of building supplies, and 4 kg of rubber found around the area.
3. Jalan-Jalan Pasar + Drawing Workshop
Image via JCI Sunway Damansara
Another good initiative from JCI Sunway for the world underwater was the Jalan-Jalan Pasar + Drawing Workshop on 8 October 2023 at Dasein Academy Of Art which remains memorable for the participants. 44 children had joined this unique adventure and explore the wonders of the wet market and unleash their creativity through art.
Fun & Interesting Activities To Open People’s Eyes
Images via JCI Sunway Damansara
34 young artists from Zinc Art Studio and 10 children from the friends and family of JCI Sunway Damansara members filled the program with excitement and curiosity. They also get to recharge their energy with delicious bread from TBS Bakery during the program.
Activities on that day included:
- Visit the wet market to let them explore the real sea creatures
- Brief session about the importance of our oceans and why should people reduce single-use plastic
- Art expression for the kids to express their experience based on the stories about the pollution’s impact on sea creatures
This program ended with a sharing session with the kids about what they had learned. The kids get to share their thoughts about what is happening in the sea world right now. It was heart-warming to see all the kids shined and brave to share their voices together.
Overall, JCI Sunway Damansara’s dedication to promoting UNSDG 14 is commendable. Their initiative is a good example of how young people can make a real difference in the world. Participants in these programs get to gain new skills, knowledge, and experiences. It also helped to foster a sense of responsibility for the natural world. By working together, we can all play a role in protecting our oceans and marine life for future generations.
