On the shores of Urubo, Liido, and Sugunto Liido beaches, a disheartening sight meets the eye: heaps of debris marring the once-pristine sands. The scars of pollution have marred this landscape, a haven sought by those looking to escape the strife between warring armed groups. Yet, in the midst of adversity, the resilient locals of this historic port city have united with a common purpose – to reclaim their beaches and restore their splendor.
A newfound determination has emerged among the denizens, driven by the hope that successful cleanup endeavors could rekindle interest in the beaches, breathing life back into the city’s economy through a resurgence in tourism. Remarkably, at the forefront of this grassroots movement are the city’s own youth, seizing the initiative to combat the blight that has befallen their coastline. Each week, the diligent efforts of students and university-affiliated individuals are on full display, as they conscientiously gather the refuse that mars the coastal beauty and imperils marine life.
Already, the fruits of their labor are evident, with sun-kissed stretches of shoreline once again gracing the landscape. Maama Ugaaso, a dedicated volunteer, emphasizes the burgeoning sense of civic pride among the youth. “For 87 weeks, we’ve diligently cleaned these beaches,” she exclaims. “Young graduates, lecturers, and ordinary Somalis have come together voluntarily. Their motivation stems from the realization that this land belongs to none but themselves.”
To date, a staggering 2 million kilograms of detritus, including detrimental plastics, have been painstakingly collected from these once-neglected beaches. The sands had become a makeshift landfill, even hosting discarded vehicles. Now, all waste finds its way to a designated government landfill on the outskirts of Mogadishu, a tangible shift toward responsible waste management.
Arabow, a driving force behind the restoration campaign, advocates for governmental support to amplify their efforts. “Our beach cleanup campaign is underway, with aspirations to expand its reach across the nation,” he affirms. His vision extends to replicating the Liido model, ensuring that pristine shores stretch from Isaley to Jazeera and beyond. He fervently hopes for a rubbish-free nation.
Central to this movement is the engagement of the country’s young populace, constituting a remarkable 75% of the total population. Fisherman Hassan Mohamed underlines the campaign’s significance for the coastal region’s survival. “As fishermen, we laud the dedication of these young volunteers,” he declares. “We beseech the government to bolster these endeavors, crucial not only for the health of our marine ecosystems but also to reinvigorate tourism.”
The volunteers draw inspiration from the overwhelming support of both the public and government officials, who have endorsed their beach-cleaning initiatives. The municipality of Mogadishu stepped in by providing vehicles to aid in waste removal, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between local action and administrative backing.
Yaasir Baafo, an advisor to Somalia’s tourism authority, envisions a future where government policies and volunteerism harmonize to drive substantial progress. He stresses the pivotal role of the environment as a potent resource for revitalizing the city and the nation. Reflecting on archived photographs, Baafo nostalgically recalls Mogadishu’s resplendent past, envisioning a return to its former glory through united environmental efforts.
With unwavering commitment, the once-hidden treasures of the sand beaches are gradually being unveiled. The inspiring narrative of these young activists, steadfastly dedicated to healing their coastal home, serves as a beacon of hope, lighting the path toward a renaissance for Mogadishu.
