TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The No-Trash Triangle Initiative (NTTI) launched the 'No-Trash River' project this week which aims to install 20 barriers throughout Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the Bunaken Marine National Park.

According to a press release received by Tempo on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, this project was initiated thanks to the funding from 3RProMar, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat.

NTTI first launched this project by installing a barrier at the mouth of the Sario river. This barrier design was inspired by Plastic Fischer and will stop the flow of plastic and force it to gather in one place. NTTI then collects waste regularly, processes it properly and more than 20 percent of it can be recycled.

The No-Trash Triangle Initiative (NTTI) launched the 'No-Trash River' project this week which aims to install 20 barriers throughout Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the Bunaken Marine National Park. (Photo: NTTI)

Plastic pollution in rivers is a global problem, with an estimated 5.8 million tons of plastic ending up in rivers every year. Studies show that small rivers in urban areas are the most polluted. The rivers that flow through Manado directly enter Bunaken National Park. This plastic pollution endangers ecosystems as well as people's health and livelihoods. And the No-Trash River project is considered crucial in protecting the marine environment from these threats.

To overcome this, NTTI said that they took a holistic approach, working not only to stop the flow of plastic in rivers, but collaborating with local communities, schools, and involving youth and community representatives to jointly form the 'River Gang'. Together with friends and family, this River Gang group promote environmental stewardship through education.

NTTI said that they also have provided adequate waste management infrastructure for the communities so that they will have the proper facilities to dispose of their waste.

NTTI also stated in the press release that they are planning to expand the project and plan to install several barriers on rivers throughout Manado. These barriers will keep 250 tons of trash out of the water annually, which will have a significant positive impact on the surrounding ecosystem, according to NTTI.

TEMPO.CO

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