For several years, Mayotte has been facing persistent unsanitary conditions, marked by the deterioration of its beaches, the pollution of its lagoon and the omnipresence of waste in the streets. This situation harms tourist attractiveness and the quality of life of residents. To respond to this emergency, elected officials from the Departmental Council, in partnership with several organizations, are launching a major action: “My own island”.
Scheduled for December 5 to 7, 2024, this operation will mobilize the entire island, affecting neighborhoods, hiking trails, natural sites and the lagoon. Every day, nearly 100,000 people – residents, schools, associations and community agents – are expected to participate in waste collection. With a budget of 1.5 million euros, this event reflects a strong commitment to preserving the environment. In addition to cleaning, the objective is also educational: to raise awareness among the Mahorais about eco-citizen actions, such as avoiding throwing waste into nature, and promoting more responsible management of the environment. “My own island” aims to create synergy between communities, local associations and businesses, in order to maximize the impact of this initiative.
The program will take place in three stages: cleaning of urban areas on December 5, followed by beaches and remarkable sites on the 6th, then the most difficult to access areas on the 7th. Partners include intercommunal groups, SIDEVAM, environmental associations, as well as local businesses.
The initiative is accompanied by an ambitious communications campaign. Posters, advertising spots and multilingual slogans remind us of the importance of this collective mobilization. Among them, “The cleanliness of my island is also my health!” highlights the direct impact of the environment on quality of life. This operation, although a first step, opens the way to sustainable solutions for a cleaner and more attractive Mayotte.
By France-Mayotte Matin
France
