Healthy and respectful use of our environment is necessary for nature to flourish and for mankind to survive. However, for a long time now, humans have ignored its importance and have misused everything that nature has provided for us. Our air, water, and even soil has been polluted, and much of our world’s flora and fauna is endangered. The importance of doing everything we can to preserve planet cannot be understated. Every bit helps, no matter how big or small according to Ammujam Raveendran.
In Oman, we have several breath-taking beaches, but we do not always maintain them that way. As with most public beaches around the world, our beaches are littered with garbage, previously with plastic and now with masks and gloves. No matter what, we as humans struggle to change our ways. But one woman has a whole different story. Ammujam Raveendran first came to Oman on 12th March 1994 and has been working since in the Furnishing and Interior decorating business. She has always felt a strong connection with the local environment and is extremely passionate about animal welfare. Ammujam started an initiative to clean up our beaches called ‘Save Oman Beaches’. She has organised several beach clean ups and inspired many to join as volunteers to do the same.
We had the chance to speak to Ammujam and find out more about her initiative and why she is so passionate about our oceans.
What is it that made you passionate about clean oceans and drove you to start this initiative?
I remember way back when my son was little, we would often go on family picnics to Al Sawadi, Yitti, and Qantab, and the beaches were near pristine. This was over 20 years ago. Over the years, I have seen the quality of the beaches reducing. A few years ago, I used to go to the Al Hail beach for a walk every morning. The amount of garbage left behind from picnics and barbecues by various beachgoers would overwhelm me. I felt that I have a personal responsibility towards the country I have been living in for 26 years.
Could you give some background into the beach clean-ups you organise, your objective behind them, and when did you host your first one?
I started with my first clean-up on the first Friday of 2019 which was January 04, 2019, and soon after, I formed a volunteer group called “Save Oman Beaches” (on Instagram as @saveomanbeaches). We want to clean the beaches taking one beach at a time and create awareness among people. Anyone is welcome to join and clean as much as they can. We have a WhatsApp group chat to communicate updates and coordinate.
What are some of Ammujam’s top successes since this all started?
So far, we have cleaned 6.50 km of the Al Hail Beach. The clean-ups in Al Hail are exciting. We find all kinds of waste. On one occasion, we found an entire football goal post buried deep in the sand. The best of our clean-ups so far has been one in Ras Al Ruwais and one in Masirah, mainly because of the support and eagerness of the locals and civil authorities who joined hands with us to ensure the smooth organisation of these event.
How often do you host these clean-ups and where?
We host these clean-ups every Saturday from 6.30am to 9.00am. However, during the pandemic we did not work for safety reasons and to adhere to ministry regulations. Also, we avoid working during the summer months of May through to July, because it gets hot to work on the beach. As for where, we are usually at Al Hail beach, but we do help at other beaches if and when I get a request.
What do you do to get more people to participate, and what can people do to get involved with it more?
We get a lot of our volunteers through social media. But most of the time, it is residents on their daily walks who come up to us and volunteer to join the WhatsApp group for updates.
If people are interested in joining us, they can contact us on our Instagram page (@saveomanbeaches) and become a part of our team.
Do you have a favourite story from one of your Clean-ups?
There are several instances. I think what is most special to me, is that over the years I have come to understand the local stakeholders – from Baladiya officials and workmen to the fishermen. Being able to establish these bonds of mutual respect and appreciation is something I hold in extremely high regard.
Can you share your top zero waste tip for our readers?
It can get exceedingly difficult to make entire lifestyle changes. But it is never too late. My top tip would be to stay mindful and conscious of your consumption habits – especially while shopping. If you can buy only what is most necessary and avoid excess consumption, you are already on the journey to reducing the waste you generate.
The home I grew up in… is my ultimate comfort zone.
When I was a child, I wanted to… join the army.
My hero… my Father
If I could change one thing about myself… I would work on being more available.
I dream of… less stressful times for the future generation.
It is not fashionable, but… I think sewing is an essential skill.
You may not know it, but I am no good at… Cooking.
You may not know it, but I am good at… Listening.
If I have time to myself… I spend it with my lovely pet cat.
My house is… where I spend the least time.
My favourite holiday destination… Sri Lanka.
My favourite weekend spot in Oman… anywhere in Salalah.
I will not leave my house without… my phone.
Things I like about Oman… is its diverse nature and hospitality.
On top of my wish/bucket list is… to travel to Greece.
My success mantra is… nothing is impossible.
In 10 years’ time I hope to… see the change that we are intensely working for.
You too can also be a part of the noble `Save Oman Beaches’ drive by contacting Ammujam Raveendran on 9900 7439. You can also follow and contact her on the `Save Oman Beaches’ Instagram page @saveomanbeaches.
