Founded in 2020, SWIM is dedicated to raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainability in Lebanon through various projects and campaigns. We learn more about the non-profit organization, the difference it is making and what is planned for World Scuba Diving Day on 10 August.

SWIM’s mission

The mission of SWIM is to inspire and engage communities in the protection and preservation of one of Lebanon’s most precious resources: its sea.

Since its inauguration, the organization has been committed to beach cleanups, as well as activities that combine swimming with waste collection. It organized the “It’s Your Sea” campaign in 2021, which ran from 21 August to 30 October. During this time, SWIM combined the experience of open-water swimming with organized beach cleanups from Naqoura in South Lebanon to Akkar in the North. The following year, SWIM launched a sustainability competition. Four teams were selected by a panel of professionals and awarded for their impactful proposals.

In 2023, SWIM organized 11 cleanups across Lebanon in response to the Ministry of Environment’s National Cleaning campaign. Separately, SWIM were responsible for 34 other cleanups that year, including CSR and community-based projects with scouts and schools.

Scuba diving awareness campaign

SWIM has announced a nationwide scuba diving awareness campaign to mark World Scuba Diving Day on 10 August. The event aims to raise awareness on marine conservation and the urgent need to protect the sea.

In collaboration with the Lebanese Army navy contingent, professional diving clubs and local organizations, SWIM is organizing synchronized underwater cleanups and beachfront cleanups along Lebanon’s coastline. Locations include Mina Tripoli, Amchit, Byblos and Beirut.

Over 30 professional diving clubs will be participating, with around 100 participants at each cleanup location. The volunteers will be working together to remove debris and promote environmental sustainability.

In parallel, beachfront cleanups will take place at four key locations. These include Mina Tripoli (Corniche El Mina), Amchit (coastal Amchit Boulevard North Side), Byblos (Bahsa 1) and Beirut (Al Manara). The cleanups will last two hours, starting from 9 am.

Indeed, the event is not only about cleaning up Lebanon’s beaches and underwater habitats. It is also intended to educate the public on the importance of preserving precious ecosystems. Among the volunteers are the Red Cross Youth, who will be supporting the cleanup at Manara, a popular spot for morning hikes.

Support SWIM

If you are interested in supporting SWIM or participating in any of its initiatives, call +961 3 220 470.

swiminitiative.org

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