The magnitude of the plastic waste problem became evident during the day’s activities. In just a few hours, volunteers collected an astonishing 2,175.6 kilograms of plastic waste, which was packed into 370 bags. These numbers told a story that words alone could not capture: the sheer volume of waste polluting Zanzibar’s landscapes and coastlines. Yet, beyond the statistics, the event revealed something more powerful hope and possibility. The fact that such a massive amount of waste could be removed in a single day proved that collective action works. More importantly, it highlighted the role of ordinary citizens, not just policymakers, in safeguarding the environment. The collected waste is set to be repurposed through recycling projects managed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), linking environmental protection with job creation and the circular economy.
The Adopt-a-Spot campaign, launched alongside the cleanup, represents one of the most innovative approaches to waste management in the region. Under this initiative, specific community areas such as Bububu, Kijitoupele, Kizingo Beach, and Kibirinzi Market will be entrusted to community groups, schools, and institutions that act as “guardians.” These groups will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness, reducing waste, and raising awareness about sustainable practices in their designated zones. This model of localized accountability ensures that environmental stewardship becomes practical and continuous rather than symbolic or sporadic. Institutions including the Zanzibar Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA), FVPO Zanzibar, and municipal councils from both Unguja and Pemba have pledged official support, giving the campaign credibility and structure. The initiative highlights that protecting the environment must be rooted in the ownership and responsibility of local communities.
The opening ceremony was graced by Hon. Amour Mmamga, the Director of West B District, who emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in keeping Zanzibar clean and sustainable. In his keynote address, Mmamga officially launched the Adopt-a-Spot campaign, a bold initiative designed to establish accountability and permanent guardianship for selected community areas. By doing so, Zanzibar signaled its ambition to become a model for Zero Plastic Waste across East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. The atmosphere during the launch was filled with enthusiasm, with community leaders, NGOs, and environmental experts pledging to stand together in ensuring that this campaign does not end as a one-day event. Instead, it was presented as the foundation of a long-term cultural and behavioral shift, where environmental care becomes a shared value embedded in daily life across the islands.
The results of the cleanup positioned Zanzibar as an emerging regional leader in tackling plastic waste. Across East Africa and the Indian Ocean, plastic pollution has long been recognized as a serious threat to public health, marine ecosystems, and economic activities such as fishing and tourism. For example, discarded plastics often choke marine animals or pollute beaches that attract visitors from around the world. By demonstrating both effective waste collection and long-term campaigns like Adopt-a-Spot, Zanzibar is now presenting a blueprint for other nations to emulate. Local leaders believe that the islands are uniquely positioned to showcase how small but determined communities can set an example for the entire region. The event therefore symbolized more than just environmental action; it was also a message of leadership and responsibility from Zanzibar to the world.
In addition to physical cleanup, the event also sparked an important debate on the economic dimension of plastics. Experts pointed out that plastics should not only be viewed as waste but also as raw material for new industries when properly recycled. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Zanzibar have the potential to create jobs and innovative businesses by turning plastic waste into useful products ranging from building materials to household goods and decorative items. This shift from “waste” to “resource” aligns with global trends in the circular economy, where materials are reused, repurposed, and reintegrated into value chains. For Zanzibar, this presents not only an opportunity for cleaner environments but also a pathway for economic empowerment and poverty reduction, particularly among youth and women entrepreneurs.
Another important dimension of the World Cleanup Day 2025 in Zanzibar was the
strengthened collaboration between stakeholders. The private sector, local
government, schools, NGOs, and international partners like IUCN came together
in a way rarely seen before. The IslandPlas project, in particular, was
credited with providing both technical expertise and financial resources that
accelerated the planning and execution of the campaign. Local businesses
contributed logistics and manpower, while NGOs ensured community mobilization
and education. This multi-stakeholder approach ensured that the event was not
only successful but also holistic, addressing both immediate cleanup and
long-term sustainability. The collaboration also highlighted a new model of
environmental governance, where every sector of society plays an active role.
Sustainability was a key theme woven throughout the event. Organizers and
government officials emphasized that the cleanup would not end as a one-time
symbolic gesture but would form part of a structured, long-term plan.
Monitoring and evaluation systems were set up in collaboration with ZEMA and
municipal authorities to track the amount of waste collected and to assess
pollution trends in the future. These records will help policymakers design
more effective waste management strategies and track the progress toward a
plastic-free Zanzibar. In this way, the event became not only a community
activity but also a data-driven exercise that feeds directly into governance
and policy development.
One of the strongest outcomes of World Cleanup Day 2025 in Zanzibar was the inclusive participation of diverse community stakeholders. Schools played a key role by mobilizing teachers and students to actively engage in the cleanup, demonstrating that environmental education should not remain in textbooks but be practiced in real-life experiences. Youth groups arrived in large numbers, bringing energy, creativity, and innovative solutions to the event. Private businesses also joined, recognizing that a cleaner environment is directly linked to stronger tourism, healthier communities, and more sustainable economies. Each stakeholder group left the event with renewed commitment: schools promised to integrate environmental lessons into daily activities, businesses pledged continued support for waste management, and youth organizations vowed to serve as community ambassadors of change. This collective ownership is what makes the campaign sustainable beyond the single day of cleanup.
Education and awareness formed the backbone of the campaign. Participants received training and information on the harmful effects of plastic waste on human health, marine ecosystems, and climate change. They also learned simple but practical ways of reducing plastic use in their everyday lives, such as carrying reusable bags, avoiding single-use plastics, and adopting refillable water bottles. for schoolchildren, these lessons were particularly impactful as they were delivered in a participatory manner through activities, demonstrations, and peer learning. For many, it was the first time they had directly linked their personal choices with broader environmental outcomes. Organizers believe this knowledge transfer will ripple outward, as children educate their families and communities in turn.
Hon. Amour Mmamga:In his speech, Hon. Amour Mmamga made it clear that environmental protection cannot succeed without community solidarity. He stressed that while the government will continue to set strong policies and frameworks, their implementation ultimately depends on citizens’ willingness to take responsibility. His message resonated strongly with the crowd: protecting Zanzibar’s environment is not the duty of the government alone but a shared obligation of every resident. By framing environmental protection as a collective mission, Mmamga highlighted the cultural and ethical dimensions of waste management making it not just a technical issue but a moral one. This shift in perception is key to ensuring long-term sustainability.
The youth emerged as central players in this year’s event. With their energy
and innovative spirit, young people from different communities took leadership
roles, from organizing logistics to mobilizing peers. Their participation
demonstrated that the younger generation is not only aware of environmental
challenges but is also eager to be part of the solution. By being given
platforms like World Cleanup Day, young people are empowered to become
ambassadors of change in their communities. This empowerment is crucial because
it invests the future of Zanzibar’s environment in the very generation that
will inherit it. Youth organizations also proposed follow-up projects, such as
recycling clubs, community awareness drives and artistic campaigns
highlighting the dangers of plastic waste.
Looking at the broader picture, World Cleanup Day 2025 in Zanzibar transcended the boundaries of a local event. It became a platform for regional and global reflection on the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues. Zanzibar’s successful mobilization of communities underscored the idea that small-scale localized actions, when aggregated, can have global impact. The message was clear: the fight against plastic waste is not just about waste management but about rethinking how societies produce, consume and live in harmony with nature. For Zanzibar, the cleanup became a way to redefine its identity not just as a tourist destination with beautiful beaches but also as a responsible environmental steward.
Educational institutions also played a significant role in embedding environmental awareness into daily learning. Teachers used the event as an opportunity to instill values of responsibility and stewardship in their students. Many schools committed to integrating environmental clubs and curriculum enhancements that will ensure students continue practicing what they learned. Parents and teachers noted the importance of children experiencing environmental protection hands-on, as such lessons tend to leave lasting impressions. By investing in children’s environmental education today, Zanzibar is cultivating a generation that will not only respect but also champion sustainability. This long-term perspective is vital in ensuring that the campaign becomes part of Zanzibar’s social fabric rather than an isolated annual event.
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