Almost a year after the trails of devastation from Cyclone Aila, the communities of Sunderbans are back on their feet, marking their resurgence by observing Earth Day through a day-long 'waste cleaning drive' in and around the island.

The intention is to raise a campaign to protect the local environment with its wetlands, tidal creeks, rivers and mangrove swamps from plastics and other harmful wastes left by the tourists, shopkeepers and traders who throng the famous tiger reserve.

The Bali initiative - already widely recognized as a model to follow for sustainable development, responsible tourism practices and community involvement in protection of nature and wildlife, has always been proactive and responsive to the climate issue and challenge. As a part of the mandate, the communities led by the local NGOs, nature clubs of the local schools and travel trade will organize the waste cleaning drive as a continuation of the "waster free destinations" movement which was initiated with the first waste management pilot project in Sunderbans.

  The event has been supported by Travel To Care.com (we had previously raised considerable funding for rebuilding the area after Cyclone Aila) in an attempt to ensure that the area's rejuvenation has a long term impact. In this regard, a demonstration programme for the villagers and local traders will be held by local volunteers to explain the simple process of separation, recycling, burning and composting of waste so they have the knowledge necessary to protect their environment independently.
              
A conservative estimate warns that many islands in the Sunderbans - world's largest delta - might completely disappear in next 50 years leading to the influx of climate refugees, loss of biodiversity and wildlife, lack of food and water security and livelihood of the local communities unless a holistic mitigation plan and a long-term conservation vision is adopted.


For more information on Bali Island Camp in the Sundarbans please see here: