International Beach Clean-Ups Mobilise More Than 95 Volunteer

More than 95 volunteers collected over 39 bags of waste during two coastal clean-up events at Miramar and Bogmalo beaches. Organized by St. Anne’s Church in Ponda, the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, and community partners, the initiatives coincided with the 2026 Season of Creation and the 8th centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

The first clean-up took place at Miramar Beach on September 12. Nearly 38 volunteers, including parishioners, teachers, professionals, and children, collected more than 17 bags of waste and various glass bottles. After a prayer led by parish priest Fr. Francis Rozario, OFM, Dr. Kennedy D’Silva briefed the group on the spiritual and ecological importance of caring for creation.

The second event occurred at Bogmalo Beach on September 19 to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day. More than 58 volunteers, including members of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology and the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club, collected approximately 22 bags of waste. The club was led by President Shogun Fernandes, with participation from Valisha Gama, Alisha Pereira, and other club members.