The “Recycling of Plastic and Solid Waste” project implemented by ACLSOCOTRA in cooperation with the Cleanliness and Improvement Fund on Socotra Island is one of the most prominent environmental projects that seek to achieve sustainable development and preserve the island’s charming and unique environment. This project, which targeted the problem of pollution resulting from the accumulation of plastic and solid waste, came with the aim of reducing its negative effects on the natural environment and the health of the local community.
Project Background:
Socotra Island is considered one of the most prominent environmental sites in the world due to its unique biological diversity, but the environmental challenges on the island have multiplied with the increasing accumulation of plastic and solid waste, which threatens marine life, trees and rare plants, in addition to the negative effects on the health of the local population. Therefore, ACLSOCOTRA, in cooperation with the Cleanliness and Improvement Fund, implemented this project to address these challenges by working to recycle this waste.
Project Objectives
The project aimed to:
Reduce environmental pollution: by collecting and treating plastic and solid waste, and limiting its spread in the island’s natural environment.
Promote environmental awareness: by educating the local community about the dangers of pollution and how to properly dispose of waste.
Encouraging the use of recycled materials: to support the circular economy on the island and reduce reliance on new raw materials.
Project phases:
The project was implemented through several integrated stages to ensure the achievement of the desired goals:
Waste collection and sorting: Field teams began the process of collecting plastic and solid waste from different areas on the island, where they were classified and sorted based on their type.
Recycling operations: After collecting and sorting the waste, it was sent to the special units for recycling plastic waste that were prepared within the project. Where plastic materials were converted into materials that can be reused in manufacturing new products, and iron waste was also recycled and reshaped into special boxes for throwing waste and distributing it in residential neighborhoods and on some coasts on Socotra Island.
Production of recycled materials: After processing the waste, a group of materials were produced that can be used in plastic industries, which enhances the sustainability of resources and reduces the need to purchase new materials.
Results and Impacts
The “Plastic and Solid Waste Recycling” project has achieved remarkable success in several aspects:
Reducing environmental pollution: The project contributed to collecting large quantities of waste that were piled up, which reduced the negative impact on the environment.
Raising environmental awareness: Awareness increased among local residents of the importance of preserving the environment and reducing the use of plastic.
Providing job opportunities: The project created job opportunities for local youth, which contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and supporting the local economy.
Project Sustainability:
ACLSOCOTRA seeks to ensure the continuity of the project by intensifying awareness campaigns and cooperation with the local community, as the project intends to expand recycling operations to include more waste and promote a culture of sustainability on the island.