Mompiche is a small coastal town in Ecuador, but its social energy is immense.
In recent years, residents, local groups, and volunteers have built a growing movement of environmental and community activism. Faced with unregulated tourism, pollution, and the loss of forests and mangroves, the community chose to organise — to protect its territory and strengthen its environmental well-being.
Beach cleanups, environmental education for children and youth, the restoration of green areas, responsible waste management, and the defence of natural spaces have become regular activities. Many of these initiatives are led by citizen groups who work with conviction and creativity, often without major resources. Their strength lies in unity, collaboration, and a deep pride in caring for a place they call home.
This spirit was clearly visible during a recent environmental action led by Verde Marino. In December, the beach turned into a place of play, learning, and shared responsibility. Adults, children, babies, and even dogs came together for the second edition of an environmental game designed to bring people closer to the topic of waste.
Divided into two teams, participants spent an hour collecting trash along the shoreline. Afterwards, the waste was sorted by category, weighed, and assigned points. What followed was laughter, teamwork, and a celebration that ended with smiles, ocean swims, and a sense of collective achievement.
Community:
Thanks to small donations gathered throughout the year from local businesses, individuals, and foundations such as Mingas por el Mar, Wasmu, and Ocean Pulse, every participant received a prize — from pencils and notebooks to toys and clothing. Ocean Pulse also contributed 15 T-shirts and 15 pairs of gloves. Simple gestures, but meaningful ones. For many children and teenagers, a new white T-shirt can be worn every day, even as part of a school uniform.
With the support of Mingas por el Mar, environmental cleanup activities in Mompiche have also become more structured. Waste classification now allows valuable data to be collected — information that can help guide future decisions and improve long-term impact.
How we understand Activism
Activism in Mompiche is not only about protecting nature. It is about building a sustainable future through shared experiences, awareness, and community connection. Collecting and weighing waste alone will not change the world — but it opens conversations, strengthens bonds, and reminds people that change begins locally.
And in Mompiche, that change is already underway.
“Engagement in Mompiche means more than just nature conservation. It is about shaping a sustainable future together – through encounter, awareness, and solidarity. Collecting trash will not change the world on its own. But it strengthens communities and shows: change begins locally.”
Organizer of Verde Marino
