Commonwealth Games Association of Tanzania Leads Clean-up at the Stunning Msasani Beach

On 2 August 2025, the Commonwealth Games Association of Tanzania brought together volunteers, athletes, and community members for an inspiring clean-up event at Msasani Beach, one of Dar es Salaam’s most vibrant coastal areas. They were supported by Kinondoni Municipal, Msasani Ward and Msasani A Primary School. 

The initiative highlighted the Commonwealth spirit of collaboration and sustainability, while also reinforcing Tanzania’s commitment to protecting its natural environment. Having reviewed a few coastal sites for plastic pollution, Msasani Beach was identified as an area in need of support.  

An amazing 600 volunteers, including students from Msasani A Primary School, worked for six hours to clean the site. Over the course of the morning, participants collected large amounts of plastic waste, predominantly discarded plastic bottles (76.6%), and over two tonnes of nylon fishing nets, also known as ghost gear. They collected a total of over 3,000 pieces of plastic. 

The clean-up also aimed to raise awareness of the urgent issue of marine pollution. Plastic waste poses a significant threat to Tanzania’s rich marine ecosystems, from coral reefs to fish populations that sustain coastal livelihoods. By leading from the front, the Commonwealth Games Association of Tanzania is setting a powerful example of how sport can unite people around global challenges. 

Local youth groups, schools, and sports clubs joined the effort, turning the clean-up into a vibrant community gathering. After the event, participants reflected on the positive impact of teamwork and the shared responsibility of keeping Tanzania’s coasts clean. 

Protecting beaches like Msasani is not only about conserving biodiversity but also safeguarding community spaces where sport and recreation thrive. With the support of the Commonwealth family, the initiative stands as a shining example of how sports organisations can contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. 

The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign is traveling around the world alongside the King’s Baton Relay; the baton starred in other events and spectacles designed to build anticipation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026. Including being launched by the Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation for Tanzania, and Deputy British High Commissioner Sally Hedley, as well as a visit to State House, to be received by Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango.  

A particularly special moment in the Baton’s journey was when Tanzanian middle-distance runner & Commonwealth Games legend Filbert Bayi held the Baton at a school in Mkuza. Filbert set the world records for 1500 metres in 1974 and the mile in 1975. His world record in the 1500 m was also the Commonwealth Games record until 2022. Whilst recounting memories of his victories, he encouraged the audience of children to aim high and work hard. 

Filbert Bayi, Legendary Runner

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.

The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.

For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.

Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Find out how to support the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign!