Volunteers have removed nearly two tonnes of waste from St Martin’s beaches as Unilever Bangladesh and Kewkradong Bangladesh led the International Coastal Cleanup 2025 on the ecologically sensitive island, mobilising hundreds of youth and local residents to protect its fragile coastline.

A total of 500 volunteers from universities and local communities collected 1,850 kilograms (around 2 tonnes) of waste from the island’s beaches during the drive.

The waste including food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, utensils, lids and abandoned fishing nets was transported to the mainland for safe disposal, said a press release on Sunday.

This year’s cleanup was arranged on the first weekend of the tourist season to raise wider awareness among visitors.

Volunteers also conducted awareness campaigns and community activities to encourage responsible plastic waste disposal and inspire long-term behavioural change.

Kewkradong Bangladesh, the national coordinator for the US-based Ocean Conservancy, has been organising cleanups on St Martin’s Island for 15 years.

The group’s work along the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf peninsula and the island has contributed valuable research data to global marine debris records.

Unilever Bangladesh, a key actor in the country’s plastic waste value chain, operates the largest plastic waste management initiative in Chattogram and promotes solutions aimed at reducing virgin plastic use, refill systems and consumer awareness, said the press relesae.

Shamima Akhter, Director for Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at UBL, said plastic packaging remains essential for product safety but its environmental impact must be tackled through better design, reduced virgin plastic use and expanded recycling.

“Our collaboration in the International Coastal Cleanup 2025 reflects this commitment in action, mobilising youth and communities to protect a fragile ecosystem.”

Muntasir Mamun, country co-coordinator of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, said Bangladesh’s beaches are national treasures that face growing threats from changing socioeconomic conditions.

“We believe Unilever’s proactive environmental stewardship will reach a new height as our partnership will inspire others to do what is good for Bangladesh,” he said.