Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin:--- Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin are gearing up for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the largest annual cleanup on the island. Volunteers can register at www.volunteer.sx and will help with cleanups and data collection.
The cleanup will take place this weekend on both sides of the island:
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
Little Bay Beach & Pond, Sint Maarten
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Sunday, September 20, 2026
Anse de Sable, La Belle Creole area, Saint-Martin
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
The International Coastal Cleanup is a worldwide initiative led by Ocean Conservancy. Each September, volunteers in more than 120 countries come together to remove trash from beaches, oceans, and waterways. The cleanup coordinators Tim Roosens and Juste Manuel are calling on volunteers throughout Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin to participate on one or both days. Volunteers are asked to register via www.volunteer.sx and are reminded to wear closed shoes, apply sunscreen and download the Clean Swell app.
Students who need to complete community-service hours are encouraged to join. Businesses are also invited to participate with teams of employees wearing their company T-shirts, an excellent way to demonstrate corporate responsibility while contributing to the protection of the island’s beaches and marine environment.
Participants will work in small teams, with one team member recording the collected items on a special data card or through Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell app. This information helps identify the types and possible sources of debris found along coastlines. Governments, nonprofit organizations, and environmental groups can use this important data to support anti-littering legislation and education, solid-waste management, marine conservation, and recycling programs.
The 2026 International Coastal Cleanup is a collaboration by Sint Maarten Pride Foundation, Clean St. Martin Association, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), Sint Maarten Nature Foundation, St. Maarten Development Fund, Saint Martin Trails and Les Sauveteurs en Mer (SNSM).
Organizers are still looking for breakfast items for participating volunteers. Businesses interested in donating breakfast items can contact coordinator Mr. Tim Roosens via WhatsApp at +590 690 30 7999.
Come out, bring your family, friends, colleagues, clubs, etc., and help keep the coastlines of Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin clean. Every volunteer makes a difference!
