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Welcome to Bright Light Projects month of July 2024 newsletter,
As part of Bright Light Projects (BLP) environmental stewardship Initiatives, BLP recently organized Community outreach cleaning Campaigns in Bamenda and in Makeni under our flagship program "Promoting Sustainable Waste Management and Economic Opportunities through Plastic Recycling" in Bamenda, Cameroon, and Makeni, Sierra Leone launched on March 18, 2023
Bamenda, and Makeni, like many urban centers in Africa, are grappling with a severe plastic waste problem. Inadequate waste management systems, lack of awareness, and limited recycling infrastructure contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste, contaminating land and water resources, posing risks to public health, and diminishing the city's aesthetic appeal. This not only harms the environment but also limits economic opportunities associated with waste recycling.
On Thursday, July 11, 2024, BLP Cameroon team carried out a Community Clean-up Campaign at Mulang - Bamenda III aimed at promoting Sustainable Waste Management and Economic Opportunities through Plastic Recycling. BLP collaborated will The Greens an NGO that is focused on recycling plastic waste in Bamenda. Based on the interaction between BLP team and The Greens, the two organizations will work to create Awareness, through sensitization campaigns and outreach programs of this nature for better environmental sustainability
On Monday, July 15, 2024, BLP Sierra Leone carried out a Clean-up Campaign at Makama community market with the objectives of educating the market women on the need for proper plastic disposal and the dangers to their immediate environment, secondly, picking up plastics around the market area, assemble them in a particular location for pick up by our partners for proper recycling. BLP Sierra Leone is looking for a secure memorandum of understanding with local waste management companies for knowledge transfer and capacity building for BLP teams and beneficiaries to leverage opportunities in waste management.
The objectives of these campaigns is to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle plastic waste accumulation in Bamenda, Cameroon, and Makeni, Sierra Leone by establishing a sustainable recycling system that diverts plastic from landfills, Creating economic opportunities for local communities by developing a sustainable plastic recycling industry that generates income and employment, Raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of recycling, promoting responsible waste management practices within the communities.
This project represents a significant opportunity to address the plastic waste challenge in Bamenda, Cameroon, and Makeni, Sierra Leone while simultaneously promoting economic opportunities and empowering local communities. By adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach, we can create a lasting impact on the environment, economy, and well-being of the city's residents.
This new environmental community initiative will involve local stakeholders, schools, partners in recycling for training and knowledge transfer, and BLP beneficiaries as recycling Ambassadors also allowing them to learn and earn some money from the recycling ecosystem. In schools, these campaigns will be integrated into our flagship program called Adolescent Youth Leadership and Mentorship teaching secondary and high school students the importance of plastic recycling, and its economic, social, and environmental impact on our local ecosystems.
Bright Light Projects Executive Director, Franco Bonghan is currently in New York upon invitation to take part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024. He is assisting with key sessions with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) on key climate issues, policy agenda, research, and Environmental sustainability.
Thank you for your support, we are grateful for your support.
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