!! This large-scale initiative, in addition to removing marine debris, has inspired responsible tourism and local participation in environmental awareness !!
taff Reporter : The International Coastal Cleanup 2025 was held in a joint initiative of Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Keokradong Bangladesh (KB), the country’s leading consumer goods manufacturing and marketing company . The event was organized in Saint Martin, one of the country’s most environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
During the event, 500 volunteers from universities and local residents collected 1,850 kilograms of marine litter from the beaches of St. Martin. The waste was then safely transported to the mainland for environmentally friendly disposal. The waste collected included food wrappers , plastic bottles and lids , plastic bags , single-use plastic items, and abandoned fishing nets. Organizers hope the initiative will help reduce environmental risks caused by uncontrolled waste and tourism.
This year, the clean-up drive was strategically organized to raise awareness during the first weekend of the tourist season. Volunteers conducted various awareness sessions and community activities to encourage responsible behavior among visitors. The program also aimed to instill the habit of disposing of plastic waste properly and bring about long-term behavioral changes. The initiative not only strengthened the sense of responsibility towards the environment among the locals, but also created an opportunity for environmental awareness to reach more people through the participation of young people.
As the country coordinator for the US-based Ocean Conservancy, Keokradong Bangladesh has been conducting beach cleanups on St. Martin for the past 15 years and has added valuable data to the global marine debris database. Their ongoing efforts across the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Peninsula and St. Martin Island have been instrumental in understanding marine pollution in Bangladesh.
As a leader in plastic waste management, Unilever Bangladesh is working to bring about transformational change in the country’s waste management. The company operates the country’s largest plastic waste management program in Chittagong , develops innovative solutions including virgin plastic reduction and refill, and regularly works to raise consumer awareness across the country.
Shamima Akhter, Director, Corporate Affairs , Partnerships and Communications, Unilever Bangladesh Limited , said , “ Plastic packaging plays a vital role in delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers. However, responsible design , reduced use of virgin plastic and increased use of recycled materials are essential to reduce its environmental impact. At Unilever Bangladesh , we are working with various partners to remove more plastic from the environment than we put into the market. At the same time, we are also developing systems that make proper collection and waste management more effective. Our participation in the International Coastal Cleanup 2025 held in St. Martin is a reflection of this commitment ; here, young people and locals have been actively involved to strengthen the collective responsibility to protect fragile ecosystems and combat plastic pollution.”
Muntasir Mamun, Country Coordinator for the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup , said , “ Bangladesh is home to the world’s largest delta and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country , which is a matter of great pride for us. Saint Martin is one of the country’s national treasures. However, growing socio-economic challenges are threatening the biodiversity of this beautiful island and its coastline. We believe that Unilever’s pioneering role in environmental conservation will reach new heights. Our partnership will inspire others to come forward for the good of the country.”