Restoring Berawa Beach: A Cleanup Effort to Protect Paradise

     Berawa Beach in Canggu, Bali, has long been a favorite among beginner surfers and tourists. Over the years, however, rapid development and an influx of visitors have transformed the once-pristine coastline into a hotspot for nightlife and entertainment. While beach clubs and cafés thrive along the shore, so does an increasing amount of plastic waste. Recognizing the urgent need for action, our 4ocean Bali cleanup crew set out on February 1, 2025, to restore Berawa Beach and prevent further environmental degradation.

     Led by Captain Agus, our dedicated team—including Ketut, Wiradana, Wayan Kariada, Putu Adi, Aftaf, Gung Wawan, Bagas, Dika Setyawan, and Made—worked tirelessly to tackle the growing waste problem. Upon arrival, the team was met with a disturbing sight: plastic straws, jerry cans, umbrellas, and even large wooden debris littering the beach. Among the most alarming discoveries were construction materials embedded with sharp nails, posing a serious hazard to barefoot beachgoers.

     Determined to make a difference, our team carefully removed these dangerous items and ensured that no nails were left behind. We also scoured the hidden crevices between rocks and under the lifeguard station, uncovering piles of plastic waste deliberately concealed. Without intervention, these materials could have easily been carried into the ocean, further threatening marine life.

Our team members reflected on the valuable lessons learned from the cleanup. They emphasized the importance of learning how to recycle plastic waste instead of allowing it to end up in rivers or the ocean. They urged people to break the habit of throwing garbage into waterways, warning that when floods come, that waste will only worsen environmental destruction. Choosing organic and eco-friendly materials whenever possible, they noted, can help reduce pollution. They also stressed the need to think twice before discarding construction debris, especially sharp objects, as these can pose serious harm to others.

 For I Nyoman Nuarta (Ucik), a Bali native and 4ocean content correspondent, the state of Berawa Beach is deeply personal.

"I have witnessed the transformation of Berawa Beach over the years," Ucik shared. "It is heartbreaking to see a beach that was once clean, peaceful, and beautiful now filled with trash."