PROUD DAHABIANS - DAHAB CLEAN UP

Whether we are residents, semi-residents, returning visitors or first time visitors to Dahab: 1) We love Dahab 2) We appreciate the serenity and beauty of the Sinai landscape and 3) We feel sad watching the litter in the streets of Dahab, the nearby desert and in the sea. Like in so many developing countries waste management is a real challenge. Of course we hope the authorities will address this issue adequately soon and that we with time will have a well functioning and sustainable waste management system in Dahab, Sinai and Egypt. Meanwhile, we can only do our best to reduce the impact ourselves.
 
Over the years there have been many private initiatives and calls for the local community to make that much needed difference. With the help of their camels, the Bedouins clean up Dahab’s surrounding areas such as Laguna and the stretch between Ras Abu Galom and Blue Hole. Local dive centres arrange clean up dives at the reef. On International Earth Day, Future Dahab School usually arrange a beach clean up competition. We should also mention the recycling initiative by Basata camp in Nuweiba and the ‘Bags for Dahab’ group who make cotton bags available in Dahab’s supermarkets. As long as there are people there is hope and as long as there is hope we can make a difference!
 
The latest community initiative is Pround Dahabians, a group coordinating clean ups, sharing ideas and encouraging recycling projects in Dahab. With the slogan "The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river’, this group is ready to pull up their sleeves. With the support from local businesses and a hands on approach from members of the local community, the group has already arranged several clean ups in central locations in Dahab. A new clean up is planned in advance of the upcoming Bedouin Dahab Festival 21st – 28th April. Hats off to Proud Dahabians!
 
So… next time a sad comment passes your lips or an annoyed thought passes your mind: Remember there are people out there who spend their time off cleaning up Dahab and the Sinai. And to offer them a minimum of support a well used cliché is in place: ‘Take only memories, leave only footprints’.
 
Want to get involved? Join Proud Dahabians on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542251215807988/