Single-use batteries are killing the finances of our local fisherfolk. But finances aren't the only thing that these batteries are killing.
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The Bantayan Group of Islands is located between the Visayan Sea and the Tanon Straight in the center of the Philippines. This archipelago is divided into three separate municipalities. The islanders mainly depend on the sea for their livelihood, thus these islands consist of many coastal fishing communities. There are more than 700 compressor divers in the municipality of Bantayan alone. Compressor diving is a dangerous and desperate form of fishing and is a result of overfishing, illegal fishing and lack of proper law enforcement.
Men dive up to 40 meters deep using make shift gear and spend an average of 8 hours under water. Diving at night, they dispose up to 3 dry cell batteries per dive directly into the ocean.
All thrown into the ocean. Literally.GOODLand introduces a rechargeable system designed to endure for up to two years, heralding a significant impact. Our journey commenced with the distribution of 270 rechargeable flashlight systems from December 2021 to the present day.
Throughout this initiative, we've fostered relationships and forged partnerships with numerous fishing communities, imparting knowledge about the imperative need to safeguard and preserve our environment. In return, these local communities reap benefits not merely in economic terms but also in rediscovering the value of collaborative effort. Conservation, community, and sustenance intertwine seamlessly. |
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