Activity Report on Ifiayong Uruan Cleanup Exercise

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Cleanup activities are crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment, a concern shared by individuals, communities, governments, and international organizations. Human activities, as the primary cause of pollution, have ushered in the Anthropocene era, marked by environmental degradation. Beyond expressing concerns, taking action through cleanup efforts is vital to mitigate the severe consequences of pollution.

In this light, BlueGreen Initiative for Sustainable Development Network (BlueGreenISDN), with support from the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet), focuses on actionable solutions to avert environmental disasters through targeted clean-up campaigns.

Why Ifiayong Uruan?

The decision to hold a cleanup exercise in Ifiayong Uruan, a coastal community in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was informed by its recurrent flooding problems. The flooding, which has caused loss of lives and livelihoods, was found to be largely human-induced, with gutters blocked by silt, plastics, and other waste.

Recognizing these challenges, BlueGreenISDN initiated the cleanup exercise to address the immediate waste management issues while creating long-term solutions to prevent future flooding.

Activity Description

The cleanup campaign focused on mobilizing volunteers, pro-environment individuals, and partners to tackle the waste and drainage problems in Ifiayong Uruan. The exercise prioritized the following:

  1. General waste collection.
  2. Clearing plastics and other waste from drainages.
  3. Managing vegetation within the community.

Outputs

The cleanup exercise resulted in the following achievements:

  • Complete removal of debris, sand, and waste from gutters and drainage points to mitigate flooding.
  • Clearing unapproved waste dumping sites in the Ifiayong Uruan community.

Outcomes

The cleanup initiative had significant impacts on the community:

  • Improved sanitation: Enhanced hygiene and cleanliness within the community.
  • Effective vegetation control: Improved management of green spaces.
  • Increased awareness: Community members were sensitized about proper sanitation practices.
  • Active participation: Local leaders and residents joined the cleanup efforts, inspired by the example of BlueGreenISDN volunteers.
  • Flood reduction: Volunteerism and community development efforts effectively reduced the risk of flooding.
  • Leadership commitment: The Chief of Ifiayong Uruan and the Local Government Chairman pledged to sustain and enforce regular cleanup activities.

Participants

The cleanup exercise saw the active participation of 35 individuals:

  • Females: 12
  • Males: 23

Key Partners

The success of this cleanup initiative was made possible through the collaboration of:

  • YALI Network Akwa Ibom: Supported with volunteers and expertise.
  • EIN TV and Passion 94.5 FM (owners of ABN TV): Official media partners who covered the event and helped raise awareness about the initiative.

Conclusion

The Ifiayong Uruan cleanup exercise highlights the critical role of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. Through this campaign, BlueGreenISDN not only improved sanitation and hygiene but also empowered the community to take ownership of their environment. Such cleanup efforts are a testament to the power of volunteerism and strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.