2 MIN READ
12-12-2024
Rescue and Reflection: A Duck, a Ceremony, and the Fight Against Plastic at Nyanyi Beach
Ucik, 4ocean Bali Content Correspondent
Nyanyi Beach, known for its stunning black sands and sacred ceremonies, saw an unexpected blend of tradition and environmental action on November 26th, 2024. What started as a routine cleanup by the 4ocean team transformed into a mission to rescue a life and highlight the growing impact of plastic waste—even in sacred rituals.
As the team—Aftaf, Pak Ketut, Dika Setiawan, and others—gathered plastic bottles along the shore, a nearby Hindu ceremony caught their attention. The ritual involved releasing ducks as offerings to the sea gods, symbolizing gratitude and renewal.
But something was wrong. One duck struggled to move, its legs entangled in plastic raffia string.
Freeing the duck was no easy task. Agile and frightened, it darted across the beach, evading capture. After several careful attempts, the team succeeded, cutting away the plastic and watching the duck return to the waves—free at last.
The team’s efforts didn’t stop with the duck. They also gathered plastic left behind from the ceremony itself—discarded bags and wrappers, remnants of a modern convenience creeping into ancient traditions.
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Shop Now - Clean The Ocean The rescue left a deep impact on the crew. One team member reflected, "We clean beaches daily, but this was different. Seeing wildlife directly affected by human actions during a sacred moment made us realize how deeply awareness needs to spread, even within traditions."
The team faced both physical and emotional challenges. Navigating steep stairs with heavy trash bags tested their strength, while catching the duck demanded patience and care. Each challenge underscored their commitment.
Nyanyi Beach's story is one of hope and urgency. While ancient traditions honor nature, modern habits threaten it. This cleanup shows that even in sacred moments, we must rethink our relationship with plastic.
