In celebration of World Water Day, volunteers with the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore (ICCS) will be conducting a cleanup at Lim Chu Kang beach and mangrove on Sat 1 April 2017: 7.45am–11.00am. Join us as we extend some tender loving care for one of our precious fragments of mangrove in Singapore. Please sign up by Wed 29th Mar 2017.

What is World Water Day? It is designated by the United Nations to highlight the importance of water and to advocate sustainable management of water resources. It is celebrated on 22 March annually.

In Singapore: Water conservation efforts by PUB have seen Singapore’s per capita domestic water consumption dropped from 165 litres per person per day in 2003 to 151 litres in 2015. The agency is targeting a goal of 147 litres by 2020 and 140 litres by 2030. "Make Every Drop Count", the theme for Singapore World Water Day 2017, underpins the active role that each of us can play to show we care and appreciate our waters.

Why cleanup? Humanity needs water and wetland habitats are an integral part of the water cycle on this planet. Wetlands habitats are especially precious in Singapore and trash causes adverse impacts to wildlife, releases harmful chemicals and are an unsightly presence we should not tolerate! Coastal cleanups are conducted by volunteers around the world to remove these trash, raise awareness of the plight of our oceans and waterways and motivate us to rethink our habits in daily urban living towards sustainable practises.

About Lim Chu Kang beach and mangrove: Located in the northwest of Singapore, Lim Chu Kang's non-recreational beach and mangrove is besieged by trash from numerous land-based sources deposited into the western Johor Straits, as well as from offshore fish farms. Trash accumulates in this precious mangrove and we are determined to unburden this site to assist the health of the ecosystem there. We tackle marine trash at the Lim Chu Kang coast a few times annually, and this cleanup marks the third 'battle' against marine debris at Lim Chu Kang beach and mangrove this year. As some trash remains in the mangrove area, we will be heading deeper into the site, onto muddier ground.

Meeting Point: Meet at the bus stop outside Kranji MRT (Bus stop no: 45139) for a pickup to the venue (40 seats available) or meet us at the venue itself, the end of Lim Chu Kang Road (Bus stop no. 34009) – you can take Transit Link bus No 975 to Lim Chu Kang jetty (Police Coast Guard).

Thank you for joining hands in protecting our environment!

Itinerary

• 07.45am – Bus pick up at bus stop outside Kranji MRT (Bus code: 45139)

• 08.15am – Bus arrives at the Lim Chu Kang Road end. Apply insect repellant, collect gloves and trash bags. Safety and procedure briefing.

• 08.30am – Cleanup begins.

• 09.45am – End of cleanup; transport trash bags to Trash Collection Points.

• 10.00am – Trash is weighed and moved to the Trash Disposal Point followed by a debrief.

• 10.15am – Participants clean up; there are no public amenities in this area and your legs must be clean to enter the bus – thus bring some water to wash off with.

• 10.30am – Bus departs for Kranji MRT.

Things to note:

1. Transport to Lim Chu Kang Road end for 40 persons, gloves and trash bags for all and weighing scales are provided.

2. You MUST WEAR hard-soled covered shoes or booties to to protect your feet from hazards, else you will not be allowed to work in the area. As the area we will work in is in the back mangrove area, please be prepared to get muddy (more than ankle-deep).

3. A change of clothes is recommended after a sweaty workout.

4. You must be clean to enter the bus - bring a cloth and extra water to do this.

5. Long pants are recommended to protect your legs from insect bites.

6. We will continue the cleanup in rain (bring rain gear) but cease if there is threat of lightning.

Things to bring:

1. Water bottle (with at least one litre of water)

2. Hat and/ or sun block

3. Reusable raincoat / poncho (we will still work in light rain)

4. Extra water and towel to wipe off sand and mud

5. Change of clothes for public transport.

Be prepared:

1. Please read our advice to participants to prepare yourself for the cleanup!

2. Sleep early the night before

3. Have a decent breakfast – it’s hard work!

4. Be punctual – the bus is unable to wait for latecomers; and the tide waits for no one!

5. Refer to the recce report of Lim Chu Kang beach and mangrove for additional information about the site.

Thank you for caring for our planet this World Water Day and see you soon!