The oceans remain a home away from home for the shipping industry, which facilitates 80% of global trade. Apart from the shipping industry, there are other communities who also rely on the ocean for their livelihoods and remain impacted by marine pollution.
The trip was organised in partnership with Nautical Institute of Singapore, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), and Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers ASEAN Branch; and facilitated by Seven Clean Seas and Howden.
Members witnessed first-hand the impact of marine pollution on the local Tanjung Uma community, including how they were combating plastic waste, which accounts for 80% of marine pollutants. Volunteers took part in a clean-up session, collecting plastic waste, and saw how the waste was processed at the Materials Recovery Facility. At the facility, plastic waste is then recycled and given a second life, made into items that benefit the community such as roof tiles for local houses.
Participants had the opportunity to interact with locals who worked at the recycling facility, underscoring the positive role that locals can play in environmental stewardship.
