With the influx of refugees arriving daily on boats in Lesvos, the sight of life jackets and boats littering the coastlines is all too familiar. Lesvos has been one of the main points of arrival for refugees with figures stating that over half a million people have arrived on the island since January 2015.

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The arrival of vulnerable refugees by boat has had a huge impact on the environment with piles of rubber dinghies, boats, life jackets and unaccountable personal items littering the coastlines. Currently, 10,000 rubber dinghies and boats have been reported on the island as well as up to 50,000 lifejackets. This rubbish not only harms the environment but also the local economy, which the local people are dependent on. Fishing and tourism are the main sources of income for a large percentage of the population; therefore, the presence of rubbish on the shores is having a huge negative impact on the livelihoods of locals.

In North East Lesvos (from Skala Sikamineas to Palios), we’re supporting a clean-up project and clearing the coastlines and seas from life jackets and boat debris to allow the environment to become healthy again and boost the local economy. This in turn will promote tourism in the area and allow fisherman sustainable access to their livelihood.

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The coast of Lesvos before and after the clean-up project (images above and below).

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As Muslims, caring for the environment is integral to our faith, and as Allah SWT mentions in the Quran: “…And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” Qur’an, 2:60 we are told repeatedly to respect the earth and care for our environment, as part of our religious duties as a Muslim and obedience to our Creator.

The clean-up project will focus on clearing rubbish in remote areas along the North East coast, which are generally inaccessible by land and has resulted in mounds of rubbish and litter left uncollected.
The clearing up of rubbish will also help preserve and protect local wildlife that is at risk from the influx of rubbish piled within their habitats both in the sea and on land. If the rubbish is left to fester, it will continue to harm and even kill the local wildlife, thus it is our duty as Muslims to ensure we are doing all we can to preserve and protect the animal kingdom.

We all know too well the hadith that the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) narrated whereby a man quenched the thirst of a dog by going down a well and collecting water in his shoe. This act alone resulted in Allah SWT forgiving his past sins. The companions said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals???? He replied: “There is a reward for serving any living being.??? (Bukhari). Therefore, preserving wildlife through clean-ups is extremely rewarding, as it provides the opportunity to have our sins expiated.

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The act of clearing rubbish itself is considered a charity in Islam, as was reported by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW): “Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity (sadaqqah).??? Narrated by Abu Dharr Al-Ghafari. Supporting clean-ups like the one we’re initiating in Lesvos is beneficial on so many levels. Not only are you supporting the local environment, economy and wildlife by restoring the natural habitat, but you’re fulfilling an integral part of your religion and advocating the importance of being an eco-friendly Muslim — something that gets forgotten all too often in our beautiful deen.

In North East Lesvos (from Skala Sikamineas to Palios), we’re supporting a clean-up project and clearing the coastlines and seas from life jackets and boat debris to allow the environment to become healthy again and boost the local economy. This in turn will promote tourism in the area and allow fisherman sustainable access to their livelihood.