On 28 October, 2022, POP Nigeria with Host Partner: Ericsson; Official Partner: Goodera; and NGOs: LAWMA (Lagos State Waste Management Agency) Ally Paints, Susty Vibes, Plogging Nigeria, Aqua world, and Future Savers in the presence of guest speakers Samuel C. Okorie (POP Nigeria), Oluwafunke Ajoba (Goodera), and Oluseye Soyode-Johnson (Ericsson) organized beach cleanup and tree plantation activity at the Elegushi Royal Beach with a focus on Life on Land. About 53 youth/staff of Ericsson, POP Nigeria volunteers, and volunteers from partners has joined the activity.

Objective of the activity: To carry out a beach cleanup and tree planting at the beach, educate people about waste management culture, to separate single-use plastics from other waste and, to promote sustainable environmental practices.

The Project aimed at promoting life through tree planting on land and reducing indiscriminate disposal of single-use plastics at the beach-by-beach users as these plastics generate more deadly and toxic chemicals for aquatic species. These plastics also contribute to the extinction of species, and the mal-reproductive process of aquatic species. By educating users, the project aims at solving a wide range of multifaceted but even complex issues. On the other hand, tree planting would help regulate, bring people closer to nature and engage in sustainable interaction with the environment and other living species.

Outcomes: Educated over 70 participants about climate change, and the need to interact with our environment sustainably, Planted 40 Coconut palm trees at the beach and sorted single-use plastics for recycling purposes, Increased awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability, Subscribed to sustainability package by employing someone who will be looking after the tree to monitor the growth process and help water the tree; for the trees to be properly taken care of and also grow well without defect, engaged with 50 participants to clean up the beach and plant trees, Participants named the tree they planted in order of memory and remembrance.

Attained Objectives:

• Reduced the amount of plastics disposal at the beach by the beach users
• Contributed to the reduction of global warming by planting trees
• Employment creation
• Reduced the use of single-use plastics and indiscriminate waste disposal
• Promotion of proper waste management culture and sustainable practices
• Behavioural change on the interaction with single-use plastic at the beech

 Way forward: More partnerships to upscale the project/replicate it in another coastal location