Join us! FNB Beach Clean-up Initiative takes to KZN and WC beaches this Saturday

Media Release

19 September 2023

Join us! FNB Beach Clean-up Initiative takes to KZN and WC beaches this Saturday

On 23 September 2023, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and First National Bank (FNB) kick off two events as part of the FNB beach clean-up initiative. The organisations have teamed up to host beach cleanups on Milnerton beach in Cape Town and Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve in Durban driven by Adopt A River Eco Solutions.

Ocean lovers are invited to participate along with their family and friends, to bring a bucket and gloves, and lots of beach clean-up energy!

September is all about cleaning up with International Coastal Clean-up Day and World Clean-up Day on 16 September. “The purpose of the initiative is to clean up the litter that washes up from the ocean and rivers. Beach cleanups are part of FNB’s environmental initiative to clean up the waterways, to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and to change consumer behaviour,” stated Stephan Claassen, FNB Commercial, Provincial Head for the Western and Eastern Cape. This aligns with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s turtle conservation strategy and the work done by its Turtle Conservation Centre.

Ann Lamont, Executive Chairperson, Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, says “We aim to focus on the impact of plastic pollution on turtles, as we see almost all our turtle patients negatively affected by plastic ingestion. This keystone species illustrates the immediate importance of human behaviour change for a healthy ocean.”

Events - Please note the different times for each event.

Cape Town

Venue: Milnerton Beach, Woodbridge Island. Most convenient parking is the parking lot on the right on Loxton Road, just after the bridge. Walk to the beach from there.

Date: 23 September 2023

Time: 09:00 – 12:00 cleanup

Activity: Talk by a staff member of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre.

Asheen Magjee, FNB Commercial, Provincial Head for KwaZulu-Natal, says “We are excited to be partnering with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation on our drive to support ocean wellness. Removing pollution from our beaches has enormous benefit to the ocean ecosystem. By cleaning up local beaches as part of this initiative we can all do our part to help reduce waste from the environment.”

Durban

Venue: Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

Date: 23 September 2023

Time: 08:30 – 12:00 cleanup

Activity: Talk by a staff member of the Adopt A River Eco Solutions.

What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, water (in a reusable bottle), reusable gloves (like the ones you use for gardening or doing dishes), and your enthusiasm.

Install: Add the Marine Debris Tracker app (iOS | Android) to log the litter you collect (join The Beach Co-op's list).

Prizes and give-aways up for grabs! Make sure you stay until the end to stand a chance to win in the lucky draw.

Turtle Conservation Centre

The aim of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre is to rescue, rehabilitate and release the turtles in their care back into the open ocean.

Turtles are among the oldest animals on the planet. Today, all seven species of sea turtles are endangered or critically endangered because of human activities. Plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the biggest threats facing all sea turtles. Seventy-one percent of the turtles that are in the care of the Turtle Conservation Centre excrete plastic, and over the last three years, 76% of turtle deaths are attributed to plastic clogging the animal’s gut.

“The Turtle Conservation Centre see turtles as ambassadors to communicate responsible use of plastic and waste management. Through the resilience, perseverance and determination shown during their rehabilitation journeys, turtles show that humans can make a difference,” said Talitha Noble, the Conservation Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre.

FNB beach clean-up initiative

FNB’s beach clean-up initiative demonstrates that caring environmentally responsible ocean lovers can become agents of change in ensuring the future health of the ocean.

A key component of the initiative is showing up meaningfully and authentically! The long-term view of sustainability across the intersections of what FNB does as a company is demonstrated through these initiatives such as community and beach clean-ups. Through these on-the-ground activities, FNB aims to create community by engaging with local organisations and individuals, with a special focus on the youth.

Combating plastic pollution

“Let’s come together and make a difference to the health of our oceans and assist our turtle ambassadors in changing human behaviour. A first defence against plastic pollution in our oceans is to make more conscious decisions around our everyday plastic use. Some easy-to-implement suggestions are to buy fresh rather than pre-packed fruit and vegetables, to pass on the balloons for your upcoming birthday party and to opt for alternatives such as flags or bunting, refuse a straw for your drink or a lid for your takeaway coffee, and finally say no to single-use plastic bags,” says Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

For more information contact:

Heather Wares

Communications Manager

Two Oceans Aquarium

Tel: +27 21 814 4539

Email: HWares@aquarium.co.za