Springed from community-led initiatives in Malaysia, ProjekWaste has been making collective strides in environmental conservation and waste management since 2020. ProjekWaste’s journey began with a simple idea: overcome marine debris by empowering communities to take charge of their local environments.
Based in Perhentian Island, Malaysia, ProjekWaste have led and influenced 66 cleanups which comprise beach and underwater cleanups. Through #ProjekWasteBEYOND, a free guideline on how to organize local cleanups, these efforts extend beyond the shores of Perhentian Island to other parts of Malaysia and other countries where debris is a critical issue.
Over time, ProjekWaste decided to expand their capacity building for collective environmental conservation, and eventually organized events, programs, and projects to engage with more people and organizations on responsible sustainable practices. Over the years, their initiatives have galvanized 763 volunteers, completed 22 projects, collaborated with 65 partners, and collected a total of 1,562.51 kg of trash on land and underwater. ProjekWaste volunteers have come together from different parts of the world, driven by a shared passion and hope for clean, healthy oceans.
Earlier in May, ProjekWaste wrapped up their flagship event, For The Ocean Tour, in Perhentian Besar Island, Malaysia. The annual event featured a blend of activities to instill environmental stewardship among both divers and non-divers. The event kicked off with beach and underwater cleanups, a sustainability workshop, sea turtle conservation activities, documentary screening, upcycled art workshop, beach yoga, climate cafe and more.
Volunteers scoured the beaches, collecting everything from plastic bottles to cigarette butts. 12.75 kg of trash were collected from the beach cleanup during the event. Meanwhile, certified diver volunteers took to the waters, retrieving marine debris in a total of 21 kg. The dives were conducted responsibly, adhering to the Green Fins practices, and trash segregation was done and submitted to the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris citizen science program. One volunteer remarked, “The dive instructors made sure everyone was feeling good and comfortable during the dives. During the underwater cleanup dive, those with more dive experience keep checking on the beginners. It is so sad to see those trash underwater being stuck in between the beautiful corals. More underwater cleanup dives needed to do our part”.
The event was a successful collaboration with local organizations and businesses such as resorts and dive centers, eco-friendly brands, and boat operators. This synergy amplified the impact of the event, fostering a sense of collective responsibility to align with sustainability values.
ProjekWaste aims to remain steadfast in their mission to protect our oceans through ongoing cleanups, educational programs, and community engagement. Future events are already being planned, with an open invitation for new volunteers to join the cause.
