Traveling Socotra’s Plastic Collection Initiative: Latest Updates and Achievements
At Traveling Socotra, we remain dedicated to our mission of preserving the island’s unique ecosystems. As part of our Plastic Collection Initiative, which began in June 2024, we have recently completed a series of clean-up operations across several key locations on the island.
Recent Plastic Collection Efforts
Between June 2024 and January 2025, our team, led by Ali Yahya, successfully collected a total of 435 kilograms of plastic waste. The cleanup operations took place across the following areas:
- Detwah Marine Reserve – 100 kg of plastic waste collected
- Dihamri Marine Reserve – 80 kg of plastic waste collected
- Arher Sand Beach – 90 kg of plastic waste collected
- Erisel Beach – 85 kg of plastic waste collected
- Qalansiyah Lagoon – 80 kg of plastic waste collected
Our team of volunteers, comprising Traveling Socotra staff, local community members, and 30 international guests from countries including the UK, France, the US, Canada, Belgium, the UAE, Spain, Denmark, and Switzerland, worked tirelessly to clean these important areas.
Types of Plastic Waste Collected
The collected waste included a wide variety of materials such as plastic bottles, bags, containers, shoes, and discarded fishing gear. Although all the waste is recyclable, the lack of recycling facilities on Socotra means we have partnered with a local merchant who sells and ships the waste to mainland Yemen for recycling.
Why These Locations Are Important
We focused our efforts on the following critical locations due to their ecological significance:
- Dihamri Marine Reserve: A unique marine ecosystem that supports fragile coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Detwah Marine Reserve: Socotra’s only Ramsar Wetland Site, known for its stunning landscapes, sandy beaches, and a crucial habitat for seabirds.
- Arher Sand Beach: A pristine eco-tourism destination featuring towering sand dunes and freshwater streams that sustain various endemic species.
- Erisel Beach: A remote, pristine coastline where the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet, creating a unique habitat for marine and bird life.
- Qalansiyah Lagoon: A vital breeding and nesting ground for seabirds, which requires ongoing conservation efforts to protect its biodiversity.
Conclusion
Through collective efforts and strong community support, we are making significant progress in preserving Socotra’s natural beauty and ecological balance. However, continuous action and collaboration are essential to maintain these fragile ecosystems. We invite everyone to join us in our mission to protect Socotra for future generations.
