BEACH CLEANUPS
At the Dolphin Encountours Research Center, we're committed to protecting the pristine coastal environments that dolphins and other marine life call home.
We organize regular beach clean-up initiatives, bringing together volunteers, students, the community and ocean enthusiasts to remove harmful debris from our shorelines.
These efforts not only help safeguard marine ecosystems but also provide a unique opportunity for participants to connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation.
By supporting one of our initiatives, you're contributing to a cleaner, healthier ocean while supporting our mission to advance dolphin research and environmental stewardship.
​​
The earliest clean-up we can remember was around 1999 when operators and locals gathered with rakes, spades and vehicles to remove black, tar like oil that had deposited itself along the beach.
With the addition of the Lifeguard station during the early 2000's the beach was kept clean and thanks to the support of Mary from KZN Wildlife we were introduced to International Coastal clean-up events that took place annually in September. It was at this time we started collaborating with and contributing to the Ocean Conservancy platform and in 2009 our partnership in clean-ups with the reserve started.
In 2018 were joined the big microplastic survey project and have undertaken 100+ surveys on Ponta beach since then.
We have co-ordinated 80 beach clean-ups in collaboration with Ocean Conservancy, the Reserve, operators and various volunteers together with PlasticsSA who have in the past been the main sponsor of bags.
The events included both local and Dobela Down clean-ups which found vehicles leaving in convoy to tackle the plastic problem further up the coastline.
​​​
80
clean-ups
16 +
tonnes
2 450+
bags
70 000+
items
1 660+
helping hands
Ponta do Ouro Stakeholders
​
-
AOEPO Business association
-
ADAPO Home owners association
Get-Involved
There are a number of ways you can help to keep our beach AND village clean. This can be done by participating in one of our clean-ups and donating to the Keep Ponta Clean Iniative.
With the influx of beach goers after the opening of the road linking Maputo to Ponta do Ouro (2018), a clean-up initiative was founded by Suzi Steyn who took on the responsibility to raise funds from local operators and home owners for the construction of wooden rubbish bins that were strategically placed throughout the village and the beach as well as getting together a clean-up crew..
​
Years later the project is still running successfully - keeping the village and beach litter free!
​
Like all projects this one also requires ongoing funding to the amount of ±Mtn65 000 p/month to cover basic costs like salaries, insurance, uniforms, upkeep of bins etc...
​
If you are able to assist the Keep Ponta Clean Project, please do contact us on w/app Suzi: +258 84 619 5104 or Angie: +258 84 330-3859.
​
