GREAT BAY--Volunteers from across St. Martin are being called to action this weekend as the island prepares for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup, with cleanup activities scheduled on both sides of the island on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.
Saturday’s cleanup will take place at Little Bay Beach and Pond in St. Maarten from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. On Sunday, volunteers will head to Anse de Sable in the La Belle Creole area of Saint-Martin, also from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Participants can register throughwww.volunteer.sx.
The International Coastal Cleanup is a worldwide initiative led by Ocean Conservancy and takes place every September, bringing together volunteers in more than 120 countries to remove waste from beaches, oceans and waterways. Local coordinators Tim Roosens and Juste Manuel are encouraging residents to participate on one or both days.
Volunteers are asked to wear closed shoes, use sunscreen and download Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell app before participating. Students who need community-service hours are also encouraged to take part, while businesses are being invited to register employee teams and participate together.
The cleanup is not limited to removing trash. Participants will also help collect information on the types of debris found along the coastline, either by using data cards or the Clean Swell app. The information can help identify possible sources of marine litter and support work in areas including anti-littering legislation, public education, solid-waste management, recycling and marine conservation.
The 2026 cleanup is being organized through a collaboration involving St. Maarten Pride Foundation, Clean St. Martin Association, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean, St. Maarten Nature Foundation, St. Maarten Development Fund, Saint Martin Trails and Les Sauveteurs en Mer.
Organizers are also seeking donations of breakfast items for participating volunteers. Businesses interested in contributing can contact coordinator Tim Roosens via WhatsApp at +590 690 30 7999.
Families, friends, colleagues, clubs, students and businesses are all encouraged to participate and contribute to keeping the island’s coastlines clean. Photos included with the announcement show volunteers participating in the 2024 cleanup and large amounts of discarded plastic and other waste collected from coastal areas.
