Hundreds drafted in to clear plastic waste off Dom Rep coast
The Dominican Republic has drafted in 500 workers, including the military and local authority teams, to clean up tons of plastic waste being washed up on its beaches.
Residents and conservationists have also joined in the clean-up and an estimated 54 tons of plastic has been cleared over the past few days.
Conservationists have warned the waste is threatening the Dominican Republic’s reputation as a natural paradise and is harming wildlife.
A video has been released by conservation group, Parley, entitled State of Emergency: Santo Domingo, showing the waste being carried by the waves around Montesinos Beach in the city.
At certain points, the Caribbean Sea is not visible because there is so much plastic.
Parley said: "With wave after wave of plastic waster ashore in the Dominican Republic, Parley teams are on the ground dealing with the world’s largest garbage emergency. Unless urgent action is taken, scenes like this will become more common."
Parley plans to recycle the plastic and is working with local leaders to help prevent future rubbish build ups.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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