Cleanup drive lead by a local man became successful.

Local Man Started World's Biggest Beach Cleanup Drive and Made Sea Turtles Comeback

As our population throughout the world grows, so does the garbage and destruction to our environment. We take little by little the land and bodies of water which was inhabited by animals and other living creatures.

Habitat destruction, over-exploitation, climate change and the introduction of invasive species have all contributed to what is rapidly becoming a mass destruction.

Turtles return to Versova beach, India.

Sea turtles in Mumbai and all over the world have been in danger for several years now. Sea turtles were recognized as vulnerable in the 1970’s, since then, conservation efforts have stepped up. 

One of the best examples is this major beach cleanup that came from Versova beach in Mumbai, India. Considered as a dumping ground, waist high in plastics and other trash, the beach has been transformed into a beautiful coastline where turtles can safely nest, thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers. 

The effort was lead by Lawyer and environmentalist Afroz Shah.

The effort was lead by Lawyer and environmentalist Afroz Shah who, was not content with initiating what the UN called the “world’s largest beach cleanup project,” removing an incredible 5 million kilograms of plastic in 85 weeks, also personally guarded the first turtle hatchlings to make their way into the sea from Versova beach in many decades.

Afroz Shah

“I had tears in my eyes when I saw them walking towards the ocean,” Mr. Shah recalled.

World’s biggest cleanup drive.

Every little thing counts. Because of Afroz Shah's initiative and commitment to saving these animals, people in India and around the world were now inspired to do an effort to save other species. 

“The single biggest threat to our planet is the destruction of habitat and along the way loss of precious wildlife. We need to reach a balance where people, habitat, and wildlife can co-exist – if we don’t everyone loses … one day.”

- Steve Irwin