World Cleanup Day 2024, held on September 20, marked a global effort to tackle waste pollution. Among the standout contributions this year was the work done by Let's Do It Guinea, demonstrating how local cleanups can create lasting change.
In Guinea, the main cleanup event took place on Sunday, September 22, on Takonko Beach, Ratoma. The initiative was coordinated by World Cleanup Day country leader, Moussa Moïse Sylla, in collaboration with JCI Conakry Leaders and local NGOs, with support from Mayor Traoré of Ratoma and the municipal government.
A total of 20 youth groups were mobilised to clean the beach. The energy and involvement of Guinea’s youth were key to the success of these activities. Young leaders not only collected waste but also worked with local companies to ensure it was recycled or sold for reuse.
The actions coincided with the announcement of a national law banning the manufacture, import, sale, and use of single-use plastics, adding Guinea to a growing list of African nations tackling plastic pollution at its source. The initiative also sparked a commitment to hold cleanups every two weeks until the end of the year, as well as the creation of a community association to protect the local environment.
Through Radio Télévision Guinéenne television coverage, Let's Do It Guinea's efforts have been broadcast across the country, inspiring others to participate. The movement’s nationwide call is addressed to the mayors of other cities and even to the President of the Republic of Guinea, General Mamady Doumbouya, leading by example to show what actions must be carried out throughout the country.
We caught up with Guinea’s World Cleanup Day country leader, Moussa Moïse Sylla of JCI Conakry, who shared his story of cleaning up Takonko Beach and the lasting change it has sparked in his community:
“As Country Leader for World Cleanup Day 2024 in Guinea, I had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable transformation on Takonko Beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline that in the past had been overrun with plastic waste and other litter.
Before our intervention, Takonko Beach, once prized for its natural beauty, had become a symbol of marine pollution. The waste was piling up, affecting not only the local wildlife, but also the communities that depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Fishermen, who spent their days on these shores, were confronted with a worrying degradation of their environment, which threatened their activity.
On September 22, 2024, on World Cleanup Day, we brought together hundreds of volunteers, including youth, families, and community members, for a collective cleanup effort. On that day, Takonko Beach saw its first big gathering for a common cause. Armed with garbage bags and gloves, we worked side by side, turning our indignation at pollution into concrete action.
What started as a simple cleanup quickly turned into a celebration of solidarity and community engagement. The laughter of the children echoed on the beach, and passionate discussions about the importance of protecting our environment emerged. The youth took the initiative to share ideas on waste reduction and recycling, inspiring future actions.
The impact did not stop there. In response to this mobilisation, members of the community decided to found a local association dedicated to the preservation of the environment of Takonko. They have set up environmental education programmes in schools, raising awareness among the younger generation about the importance of preserving their natural heritage. In addition, they initiated a sand dune reforestation project with local species to protect the beach and restore its ecosystem.
Takonko Beach, once neglected, is now the vibrant heart of a community committed to a sustainable future. Thanks to the momentum created by World Cleanup Day, we have managed to turn a simple cleanup action into a sustainable movement. The people of Takonko, now proud of their environment, are committed to keeping their beach clean and promoting eco-friendly practices.
This experience proved that when people come together for a common cause, even the biggest challenges can be overcome. World Cleanup Day has not only changed the face of Takonko Beach, but has also sown the seeds of a collective awareness that will continue to grow, ensuring a healthier future for our planet.”
We’d love to hear how World Cleanup Day 2024 has inspired lasting change in your community! If you have a story to share, let us know by tagging our social media accounts and using the hashtag #WorldCleanupDay2024.
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