WILLEMSTAD – A major cleanup effort at Playa Piskado, organized by Go West Diving in collaboration with local environmental advocate Kunuku-man, resulted in the removal of nearly 240 kilograms of trash. The event, which included both underwater and land-based cleanup teams, saw around 30 volunteers working together to improve the conditions of this popular beach and dive site. 

Go West Diving provided free diving tanks for volunteers to clear debris beneath the water, while Kunuku-man led a team on land focusing on the entrance road to Playa Piskado and the parking lot above. The effort highlights the ongoing issue of pollution in the area, raising concerns that, without continued intervention, the trash problem could return within months. 

To celebrate the successful cleanup, several sponsors contributed to the event. Restaurant Playa Forti provided a large pot of fish soup, while DeliNova sponsored meat for a BBQ. Kunuku-man also contributed drinks, snacks, and even a cake in honor of his birthday, adding a festive touch to the initiative. 

Despite the progress made, organizers emphasized that more needs to be done to maintain Playa Piskado as a pristine tourist destination. The accumulation of waste remains a persistent issue, and local businesses, particularly the restaurants and vendors operating in the area, are being urged to take greater responsibility in preserving the environment. 

The cleanup effort also brought renewed attention to another ongoing concern at Playa Piskado: the harassment of sea turtles. A petition launched weeks ago aimed at stopping the irresponsible feeding and mistreatment of turtles has struggled to gain enough signatures to be presented to the government. While this issue was not the primary focus of the cleanup, it underscores the broader environmental challenges facing the beach. 

Playa Piskado remains a key attraction for both locals and tourists, but without sustained action, its natural beauty and ecological integrity are at risk. Thanks to Go West Diving and its volunteers, the area is now in better condition, but long-term solutions and greater community involvement will be necessary to keep it that way.