A joint investigation between the **Environmental Institute of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Inea)** and the NGO **Somos Natureza** revealed the presence of **international solid waste** in the **State Biological Reserve of Praia do Sul**, located in **Ilha Grande**.
Among the collected waste, **containers from China, Argentina, and Ethiopia** were identified, highlighting the **global nature of the problem**.
## Local Impact of a Planetary Crisis
According to **Cleber Ferreira**, Biodiversity Director of Inea, the accumulation of garbage on protected beaches is a consequence of **inadequate global waste management**. “The waste arrives through rivers, seas, and lagoons, forming real **garbage islands in the ocean** that end up on our coasts,” he explained.
Between **July 13 and 16**, **242 kg of recyclable materials** carried by marine currents were removed. The cleaning was done manually, using tools such as **mechanical hands and eco-pens**, and the waste was delivered to **recycling cooperatives in Angra dos Reis**.
## Risks for Coastal Biodiversity
The most common waste — **plastics and glass** — represent a **serious threat to local fauna**. Plastic can be **ingested by turtles and seabirds**, causing suffocation and death. On the other hand, glass can **take more than 4000 years to decompose**, creating a lasting environmental impact.
Ferreira warns that the **frequency and volume of waste are increasing**: “In each operation, I can remove between **500 kg and one ton**, depending on the number of volunteers.”
## International Volunteering and Environmental Education
The alliance between **Inea and Somos Natureza** organizes **monthly cleaning operations** on the beaches of Ilha Grande, with active participation from **local and international volunteers**.
In the last campaign, people from **São Paulo, Spain, Argentina, and Iceland** collaborated, receiving information about the **conservation units of Inea** and sharing experiences on the **fight against marine pollution** in their countries.
## Global Cooperation to Address the Solid Waste Crisis
The Secretary of the Environment of Rio de Janeiro, **Bernardo Rossi**, emphasized the need for **coordinated actions at the international level**: “We cannot control what comes from other countries, but we can **act locally** in waste collection and disposal in our protected areas. It is encouraging to see **foreign visitors joining this conservation mission**.”
The **State Biological Reserve of Praia do Sul** covers **3309 hectares** and is the **only one in the state** that hosts **all coastal ecosystems**.
Its main objective is the **preservation of biodiversity and archaeological sites**, so **recreational tourism is not allowed**. Only activities related to **scientific research and environmental education** are authorized.
