As a strategic development partner, the Lebanese Community based in Sierra Leone has on Saturday 14th May 2022 cleaned up the Lumley and Aberdeen beaches in the Western Area of Freetown.

Speaking at the event, Lebanese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hadi Jaber informed the gathering that Sierra and Lebanon have bilateral relationship that spans beaches over one hundred years, the beach clean-up exercise is an opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of the people of Sierra Leone.

This is part of our efforts to protect and raise awareness on the need to protect the environment,” said Ambassador Jaber, stating further the exercise will help protect the Sierra Leoneans oceans from unhealthy environmental practices.

He admonished Sierra Leoneans to stop littering plastic waste in the beaches.

Ambassador Jabar went on to say that plastic waste is the main driver of the depletion of Marine Biodiversity and climate change issues.

He said as a community, they have a moral obligation to support worthy causes, and the environment is key.

Ambassador Jaber used the opportunity to call on all beach users to stop littering waste in the sea. He further urged members of the public to find better ways of disposing of waste than littering them on the beaches, stating that it will help to improve proper environmental cleanliness and the protection of land and the marine.

Mr. Jihad Swad, the Chief Executive Officer of ECOMED and Afrigas said that the beach clean-up exercise is an opportunity in remind the people of Serra Leone, especially bench users to make proper use of the Aberdeen and Lumley beaches.

He cautioned beach users against littering with plastic on the beaches, adding that will help to enhance proper management of plastic and other waste in the beaches.

He added that the cleaning exercise is an eye opener for their volunteers to learn and contribute meaningfully to the development of Sierra Leone.

He also underscored the importance of protecting beaches, adding that it will attract direct foreign investment and other touristic activities.

He further stated that the cleaning exercise will also encourage volunteers to play their role in enhancing proper waste management on the beaches.

“This will enhance behavioral change, he said, adding by thanking the Lebanese Community for their relentless support to the people of Sierra Leone.