Unilever Bangladesh Limited, in partnership with Kewkradong Bangladesh (KB), country coordinator of US-based non-profit Ocean Conservancy, conducted a coastal cleanup campaign at Saint Martin's Island recently.

A total of 350 volunteers took part in the programme and removed 1,500 kilogrammes of marine debris, including food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, utensils, and lids, from the island's beach and ensured safe disposal in the mainland, according to a press release.

Shamima Akhter, director of corporate affairs, partnerships and communications at the multinational company, said, "We must collaborate to design scalable systems and interventions that will reduce our environmental footprints and protect vulnerable ecosystems, such as St. Martin's Island."

"This year, the St. Martin's Coastal Cleanup, in partnership with Kewkradong Bangladesh, engaged youth volunteers and the local community to foster a sense of shared responsibility and demonstrate our commitment to improving the ecosystem," she added.

Muntasir Mamun, country co-coordinator of Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, said, "Saint Martin's is one of the national treasures of this country. However, evolving socio economic challenges are consistently creating a threat to the biodiversity of the beautiful island and the seashore.

"We believe Unilever's proactive environmental stewardship will reach a new height as together, our partnership will inspire others to do what's good for Bangladesh."

KB has been conducting beach cleanups at Saint Martin's Island for the past 13 years.

Unilever Bangladesh has been playing a significant role in supporting Bangladesh to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As plastic waste management remains a pressing environmental challenge for Bangladesh, Unilever remains dedicated to fostering impactful partnerships.