At Traveling Socotra, we are committed to making a positive impact. To ensure tourism has the least negative effect on Socotra’s unique ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources, we have launched a Plastic Collection Initiative. This project aims to raise awareness among the Socotra community about the harmful effects of plastics on the environment and take direct action to combat the existing pollution.
Plastic Collection at Dihamri Marine Reserve
On June 8, 2024, our local team, led by Ali Yahya, conducted a significant plastic clean-up operation at Dihamri, a unique protected marine reserve. This initiative is crucial to maintaining the pristine condition of the reserve.
A dedicated team of 18 volunteers meticulously collected plastic waste by hand, filling large bags. We are proud to state that we have collected 20 bags of plastic waste, weighing a total of 130 kg.
The team consisted of our agency’s team, volunteers, members of the Dihamri Association for Conservation and Development, and representatives of Dihamri Marine Reserve, all joining forces to clean the shoreline.
Types of Plastic Waste Collected
Various types of plastic waste were gathered, including plastic bottles, bags, containers, and fishing tools made of plastic. Some of this waste originated from Socotra, some of it was brought in by ocean currents and waves. Notably, most of the collected waste can be recycled, which is why we handed it over to our partner in Hadibo. They will ship the plastic waste to the Yemeni mainland for sorting and recycling.
On the island, there is no plastic collection, sorting, or recycling. Any trash they have is currently land filled, which exacerbates the environmental issues caused by plastic waste. This makes our efforts even more critical in preserving Socotra’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Challenges During Monsoon Season
From June to September, Socotra experiences the monsoon season, with high winds reaching 60-70 knots. These strong winds cause significant amounts of plastic debris to be swept from the land and shores into the seas, lagoons, and wadis, creating environmental issues. This debris threatens the unique marine and land biodiversity and impacts the livelihoods of local communities, especially fishermen, who constitute 70% of Socotra’s population.
That’s why it was so important to organize our first plastic collection now, before the monsoon winds come in and sweep the plastic away.
Threats to Marine and Land Biodiversity
Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The island’s unique ecosystem includes:
- Flora: 37% of plant species are endemic.
- Fauna: 90% of reptile species and 95% of land snail species are unique to Socotra.
- Marine Life: The island hosts a diverse array of reef-building corals, coastal fish, and crabs.
Plastic pollution poses a major threat to marine life and biodiversity, particularly in sensitive areas such as fish habitats, coral reef environments, sea turtle nesting sites, and important bird sites like lagoons and wadis. For example, the Dihamri Marine Reserve, located on the eastern coast of Socotra, is rich in marine life, biological diversity, and coral reef environments, making it a crucial area to protect.
Plastic waste is notoriously slow to break down. Over time, it fragments into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which are even more hazardous. Microplastics can enter the food chain, posing significant health risks to both wildlife and humans. These tiny particles are particularly insidious because they can be ingested by marine life, leading to toxicity and death, and ultimately impacting the entire ecosystem.
Local studies in Socotra
Local environmental specialists from the Environmental Protection Authority, Socotra branch, have highlighted the significant threats plastic waste poses to Socotra’s biodiversity and local communities. Local studies have proven that some birds, such as the globally threatened Egyptian Vulture, have died after ingesting plastic waste on the island. Endemic birds are also avoiding nesting in important lagoons due to accumulated plastic waste. Additionally, sea turtles in the Abalhan Turtle Nesting Reserve on Socotra’s western coast are threatened during their nesting season by plastic debris.
Mr. Naseem Muhammad Ali, Director of the Dihamri Marine Reserve and diving instructor at Dihamri Diving Center, also noted the accumulation of plastic waste among coral reefs, especially after the windy season. This waste poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity in the reserve. On behalf of the Dihamri community and Marine Reserve members, he extended his heartfelt thanks to Traveling Socotra for our efforts to minimize the negative impacts of plastic waste.
Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Traveling Socotra, we are dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism to ensure the island remains a pristine paradise for future generations. We recognize the potential threats of unsustainable tourism and are actively working to mitigate these impacts.
For every traveler booking with us, around 5-7 kg of plastic will be removed from the island. Help us reach our goal of removing 500 kg of plastic by the end of the year. Our team is committed to implementing numerous initiatives, including awareness-raising and plastic collection campaigns, in areas of environmental importance.
By choosing Traveling Socotra, you contribute to the preservation of this unique ecosystem and support local efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Join us in our mission to protect and sustain the extraordinary environment of Socotra, ensuring its natural beauty endures for future generations.
