SANTO DOMINGO– Volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God cleaned Fuerte San Gil beach in an environmental and community impact event, as part of the Global Hope Challenge 2025 initiative. As a result, 2.7 tons of waste were collected in a total of 472 garbage bags.
This volunteer service involved 300 Church volunteers who traveled from various cities across the country, including Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Moca, La Vega, and Jarabacoa. The Church took on this global challenge in celebration of Environment Month and aligns itself with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes the goal of achieving “zero plastic” by 2030.
The event was supported by Manuel De Los Santos, governor of the National District. “The work being done by the university students and volunteer workers of the Church of God is truly admirable, carried out with smiles and great enthusiasm,” he added.
“Marine creatures are ingesting plastic; a united public effort is urgently needed to solve this problem,” emphasized Cristiana De La Rosa of the Ministry of the Environment.
The organizers highlight that events like this not only have a direct impact on cleaning natural spaces but also inspire others to take concrete actions for environmental conservation. “The plastic crisis in the Dominican Republic is at 80% severity according to the United Nations. This is why we carry out awareness campaigns and volunteer services like this, to motivate the community to work together against this global problem,” noted Argedys Peralta, representative of the Church of God in Santo Domingo.
Continuing with the program of activities planned in the country to respond to the Global Hope Challenge, the next volunteer service will be on Sunday, June 29th, with a plastic cleanup and awareness campaign along the Jacagua River trail and in the surrounding communities. This action will be carried out in coordination with the Saltadero Foundation and the Santiago Botanical Garden.
The World Mission Society Church of God, established in 175 countries, actively promotes community service initiatives focused on environmental preservation, social well-being, and the promotion of spiritual values. Through inspiration based on a mother's love, the church seeks to inspire individuals and communities to build a better world, both physically and spiritually. The activity is open to the public, and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and be ready to work together for a greener future.
