UN and Dominica join forces to launch CleanAMile Initiative on World Environment Day

Roseau, Dominica - 5 June 2023 - The United Nations Country Team for Dominica, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment in the Commonwealth of Dominica, came together on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, to commemorate World Environment Day with the CleanAMile initiative. This collaborative effort aimed to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, aligning with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution."

The CleanAMile initiative brought together a dedicated team consisting of UN staff on the ground from various agencies, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO).

The team received valuable support from the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation and Dr. Adis King, the Coordinator for UN Agencies and NGOs. Additionally, Hon. Darron Lloyd, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment, with specific responsibility for Constituency Empowerment, contributed to the initiative's success.

In addition to the dedicated team, members of the general public actively participated in the CleanAMile initiative specifically targeting the cleanup of the St. Joseph River. Notably, students from the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, representatives from the Catholic Church, members of the Somerset Sports Club, St. Joseph Village Council, youth and migrant population from St. Joseph were among those who joined hands to make a positive impact on the environment.

The initiative was the opportunity to make a relevant connection between pollution of the waterways and the increased risk of flooding and potential displacement of people, in particular at the start of the hurricane season.

The CleanAMile initiative focused on raising awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and encouraging responsible waste management practices. Participants embarked on a mile-long cleanup drive, removing plastic waste and other debris from their surroundings along the St. Joseph River. By engaging the community in this hands-on activity, the initiative aimed to instill a sense of environmental stewardship and inspire lasting behavioral change.

Overall, the volunteers collected approximately sixty-five (65) 46-gallon trash bags of mainly plastic pollution. Speaking to the public, Secretary Lloyd thanked the UN and community groups who can out and indicated that “these are some of the more important projects needed in amplifying the push towards development in the community”. Dr. King, in highlighting the migrant population in St. Joseph, made a special call towards working with the community on these types of initiatives.

World Environment Day serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need to address environmental challenges and protect our planet. The United Nations Country Team for Dominica, together with the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, remains committed to fostering sustainable development and safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.