Today, Saturday July 5, is World Ocean Day, and Muri Lagoon will once again become the focus of local environmental action as community members gather for the 7th annual Muri Lagoon Beach Cleanup.

Organised by Muri Environment Care in collaboration with Te Ipukarea Society, Infrastructure Cook Islands, and the Rarotonga Sailing Club, the event continues to be a highlight on the island’s calendar, promoting awareness and action to protect our marine environment.

Members of the public, businesses and club members are encouraged to take part in the community cleanup, which runs from 8.30am to 11.30am at the Rarotonga Sailing Club.

Activities include: spot prizes for the most unusual item found, a sausage sizzle, a waste audit, children’s painting corner and waste collection bags provided onsite.

Those unable to attend in person are invited to conduct their own beach cleanups in their villages and share photos online using the hashtag #WODRarotonga.

Last year’s cleanup effort was a significant success, with 52 flour bags (20kg each) of rubbish collected. The collection, supported by Avarua Bakery, included: eight bags of plastic PET bottles (polyethylene terephthalate – commonly used for drink bottles), two bags of metal, four bags of aluminium cans, four bags of glass bottles and 34 bags of general waste.

More than just a cleanup, the annual event is a celebration of community spirit, and shared responsibility, aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Muri Lagoon and beaches around the island for future generations.