Cleaning up the Narew

Initiative: "Cleaning up the Narew".
Originator: Łomża Divers' Club "Podwodny Jeleń"
Location: Łomża
Implementation date: 05/2016-06/2016

Description of the problem encountered: The Narew River, despite its charm and beautiful location, is exposed to a number of pollutants, so it is necessary to restore its natural beauty and clean up the rubbish lying on the bottom.

• purchase of the necessary equipment to track down litter and carry out effective litter collection;
• cleaning up the municipal beach and the areas in the immediate vicinity;
• removal of rubbish and dangerous objects from the river bed that threaten the safety of bathers;
• prepared for safe use of the beach and bathing area by residents during the summer and cleaned up at the end of the season (after beach closure).

Planned results: Raised awareness among residents about the problem of littering on the Narew River, which is used by the local community for recreational purposes. The initiative is aimed at the residents of Łomża. Thanks to this action, they will be able to use the bathing area safely, without fear of hurting themselves. All the items fished out will be on the beach, where they will be collected for presentation to the residents. An account of the 'Cleaning up the Narew' will be published on the club's website, showing underwater 'prey'.

The 'Cleaning up the Narew' initiative of the Łomża-based 'Podwodny Jeleń' Scuba Divers' Club is realised as part of the project 'Local ecological civic initiatives - together for the environment' of the Foundation for the Development of Polish Agriculture and funded by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

RESULTS OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

As part of the 'Local Environmental Initiatives' project, an action 'Cleaning up the Narew' took place. As part of the project, diving equipment was purchased: a dinghy with a motor, fishfinders, torches, a battery and a charger.

Twenty-one divers from the PDWODNY JELEŃ group from Łoimża, SCUBAMAMIAK from Zambrów, and Mazury Diving from Ruciana Nida and Pisz took part in "Cleaning up the Narew".

All the 'underwater treasures' were thrown ashore and photographed. The biggest find was a metal plate that had probably been on the bridge railing a few years ago. Mainly glass bottles, rusty cans, various metal items and tree branches were pulled out of the water. Visitors and club members who came to the event cleaned up the rubbish lying on the town beach, under the "Hubal" bridge and the car park.

 

After the event, participants could enjoy hot sausages from the grill, cakes and other delicacies, as well as take part in a draw for small gadgets sponsored by sponsors and the grand prize - a diving computer. There were also small gifts for the children.

Thanks to the favour of the sponsors, each participant received a T-shirt with the logo of the Underwater Deer Club, the logo of the sponsor SONAROL, NFOŚiGW, FDPA and the inscription "Local ecological civic initiatives - together for the environment".

The collected rubbish was deposited in one place and taken to the rubbish dump by the municipal services.

The aim of the project was to raise awareness among residents about the pollution of the Narew waters, especially those who pollute the waters with solid objects and by their behaviour consciously contribute to the degradation of the environment, the destruction of the natural habitats of the river fauna and flora. The action was intended to sensitise local residents to a serious problem that has existed for a long time, and to convince people who throw rubbish into the water that the problem does not disappear under water, it only exists without being seen.

 

The local community was informed about the organised action through information provided on local radio, in the press, on the club's website and on Facebook (more than 1,000 views).

Cooperation was established with a number of institutions directly supporting this task, as well as diving clubs from other towns.

The event was additionally secured by the Fire Brigade.

 

The media were invited to the "Cleaning up the Narew", which publicised the ecological struggles of the divers and invited guests.

• http://www.mylomza.pl/home/lomza/item/11976-posprz%C4%85tali-dno-rzeki-i-pla%C5%BC%C4%99-miejsk%C4%85-video.html
• http://lomzynskie24.pl/2016/06/sprzatanie-narwi-2016/
• underwaterjelen.pl
• FB underwater deer