Reef Check Indonesia Teams Up With Coca-Cola for Bali Coastal Clean-Up Program

 

“Everybody leaves a footprint, and everybody has a responsibility. So, let’s do the right things together!” said Reef Check Indonesia Foundation chairwoman Naneng Setiasih at the opening of the Coca-Cola for Bali Coastal Clean-Up Program, a collaboration to raise awareness about the garbage problem in coastal areas.

 

The opening was held July 13th in Kuta by Naneng Setiasih and Tery Davis, the Group Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil. Clean-up activities were done simultaneously at Kuta Beach, Sanur, and Nusa Lembongan. A total of 446 volunteers participated, including Miss Indonesia 2005 Nadine Candrawinata, singer Nugie, surfer Tipi Jabrik, and actor Marcel Candrawinata. About 7.8 m³ of garbage was collected from the three areas after only one hour of cleanup. The opening event also sold 1,260 special wristbands, raising 12.6 million rupiah ($1,377 USD)

 

Reef Check Indonesia and Coca-Cola Indonesia initiated the program as part of the International Year of the Reef to raise awareness and public involvement for garbage management in Bali. While the initial goal is to clean the beaches, waters, and reefs of Bali, the program also aims to generate an environmentally-minded movement by increasing awareness and involvement of people in garbage management as well as government and other strategic stakeholders to support the effort.

 

Various activities will occur during the program’s 6-month run:

 

– Video competition opening early August whereby people from across Indonesia will be invited to submit a video of what they are doing to support the environment. A panel consisting of Coca-Cola for Bali team members supported by a number of celebrities will choose the winning video in December 2008.

 

– Sale of wristbands specially designed by the trend-setting store Surfer Girl and available at Surfer Girl and Circle K outlets in Kuta and Sanur. One wristband sells for IDR 10.000 (approximately USD $1.10). The funds raised will be used for environmental education activities in 2009.

 

– An education and interactive web site in Bahasa that provides easy tips for garbage management, and connects beach and reef lovers campaigning the “Let’s Do the Right Thing” spirit to others.

 

Reef Check encourages us all to be a part of the campaign by doing “The Right Thing” and helping keep our beaches and reefs clean and healthy.