CO-OP
Environment and Conservation Fund
Community Ocean litter Obliteration and education Programme Plus
(CO-OP+)
Programme Introduction
Environment and Conservation Fund:
Community Ocean litter Obliteration and education Programme Plus (CO-OP+)
As an extension of the "CO-OP" project, we(Sea Education Association) are privileged to receive funding once again from the Environment and Conservation Fund for this initiative. The project spans 19 months and is conducted in two phases. Building upon the foundation of the previous project, "CO-OP+" introduces three outdoor sports—kayaking, stand-up paddling (SUP), and plogging (jogging while picking up litter). By combining sports with clean-ups, the project aims to raise awareness about the waste problem and empower more people to become leaders in environmental clean-ups. Through these outdoor activities, we are able to reach remote refuse blackspots, uniting outdoor enthusiasts to clean up Hong Kong's coastlines and countryside while enjoying nature.
During the project period, we trained 31 CO-OP Ambassadors and organized 20 school/organisation clean-ups, 16 public clean-ups, 10 kayaking clean-ups, 10 stand-up paddling clean-ups, and 16 plogging sessions. Including the ambassador training and final public clean-up, a total of 75 coastal and countryside clean-up events were held throughout the project, working alongside 1,203 participants to clear over 4 tonnes of refuse.
CO-OP Ambassador
Ambassadors were introduced to Hong Kong’s coastal biodiversity and the problem of marine litter through indoor lectures and outdoor training. After the training, the ambassadors assisted with the public and school beach cleanings. It is hoped that the ambassadors will continue to participate in marine conservation projects and actively raise awareness on marine litter among various communities.
Public Clean-up
Through participating in beach cleanups , we hope the public will understand the difficulty of beach clean-up and the impact of marine litter on the coastal ecosystem. This is to promote the importance of waste reduction at source. During the programme, 16 coastal clean-ups were organised, attracting 324 participants in total, who together removed 754.39 kilograms of litter from local coastlines.
School/Organisation Clean-up
A half-day activity including a themed talk on marine debris and a coastal clean-up. Aiming at bringing participants into contact with the coast, learning about the local marine ecology and the marine litter situation. Develop a sense of civic-mindedness and conservation of nature by participating in an actual coastal clean-up. Throughout the programme, 20 coastal clean-up events were organised, involving 450 participants from 18 local schools and organisations, a total of 665.96kg of marine litter was cleared.
Coastal and Countryside Clean-up (CCC)
The Coastal and Countryside Clean-up Programme (CCC) combines outdoor activities with environmental initiatives. Through activities such as stand-up paddling, kayaking and plogging, participants venture to coastal areas and country parks that are usually difficult to access. Participants gained first-hand insight into the litter situation along Hong Kong’s coastline and in its countryside. This encourages them to reflect on their daily habits, take practical steps to reduce waste, and work together to protect Hong Kong’s oceans and countryside.
Coastal and Countryside Clean-up (CCC) Team Training
The team training includes indoor and outdoor training. The indoor sessions introduce the current state of marine litter in Hong Kong and provide knowledge of coastal ecology. Outdoor training equips members with the necessary sports skills and safety practices for the upcoming clean-up activities. The Kayaking Team is provided with the Hong Kong China Canoe Union (HKCCU) Kayak One to Three Star Award Certificate Course in Kayaking. The Stand-Up Paddling Team is provided with a Hong Kong, China Surf and Standup Paddle Association, Stand Up Paddle Board Beginner Program. The Plogging Team received a Trail Running Course (2 half days) provided by a running coach from Running Man Athletic Club (RMAC).
CCC - Kayaking Clean-up
We explored Hong Kong’s coastline by kayak, visiting shore areas that are rarely accessed by the public or suffer from severe litter problems to carry out coastal clean-ups. Throughout the programme, 10 kayak-based coastal clean-up events were organised, during which a total of 778.94 kg marine litter was removed.
CCC - Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) Clean-up
We explored Hong Kong’s coastline by SUP, visiting shore areas that are rarely accessed by the public or suffer from severe litter problems to carry out coastal clean-ups. Throughout the programme, 10 SUP-based coastal clean-ups were held, during which a total of 467.5 kg marine litter was removed.
CCC - Plogging
Through plogging, participants explored Hong Kong’s natural environment, visiting mountain trails and coasts that are usually difficult to access or suffer from severe litter problems to carry out clean-ups. During the programme period, 16 plogging events were organised, clearing a total of 1,359.42 kg litter from local coast and countryside.
Programme Showcase and Public Clean-up Day
A one-day event for the closing of the programme, it began with a sharing session on the programme’s achievements, followed by a public clean-up in Tai O. Together with the CO-OP ambassadors, Coastal and Countryside Clean-up (CCC) Team members and the public, we looked back on the past 74 beach clean-up events and the programme’s achievements; the ambassadors and the team members shared their reflections on participating in the programme’s activities. After that, we conducted an eco-tour and beach clean-up at Po Chu Tam in Tai O. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we collected nearly 100 kg of marine litter.
