By:
Ibrahima Yakubu
Head of Communication and Strategies
Science and Environment Journalist
African Climate Reporters
www.africanclimatereporters.com
My visit to the river bank offered a sobering view of the destructive impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
The river, which should sustain aquatic ecosystems and support surrounding communities, was heavily polluted with plastic bottles, food packaging, sachets, and discarded bags lining the shore and drifting through the water.
Plastic waste in waterways poses a grave danger to marine animals. Many aquatic species mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion that causes internal injuries, digestive blockages, starvation, and death. Others become trapped in plastic debris, severely limiting their ability to move, feed, and survive. As plastic materials break down into microplastics, they contaminate the water and enter the food chain, threatening entire ecosystems and human health alike.
Confronting this crisis demands immediate and coordinated action. Strengthening waste management systems is essential to stop plastic from entering rivers in the first place. Governments and local authorities must enforce effective waste disposal regulations, invest in recycling infrastructure, and hold polluters accountable. Equally important is public education. Communities must be empowered with knowledge about the environmental consequences of plastic pollution and encouraged to adopt responsible waste practices.
Reducing reliance on single-use plastics is another critical step. Promoting reusable and biodegradable alternatives can significantly lower plastic waste levels. In addition, regular community-led river clean-up initiatives should be supported, not only to remove existing pollution but also to foster environmental stewardship and collective responsibility.
Protecting our rivers is both an environmental and moral obligation. If decisive action is taken now, we can reverse the damage caused by plastic pollution, preserve marine life, and secure healthy waterways for future generations.
