On Oceans Day, August 8, 2025, the WACA project and the Mauritanian Ministry of the Environment launched a major awareness campaign against the dangers of using plastic bags.

In Nouakchott's markets, particularly the fish market, hundreds of citizens were made aware of the health and environmental impacts of this plastic waste through loudspeaker announcements, flyers, caps, posters, and TV spots broadcast on El Mouritanya, among others. The goal was to raise collective awareness and encourage responsible behavior.

In Mauritania, the widespread use of plastic bags is a real scourge. Non-biodegradable, they accumulate in nature, pollute beaches, rivers, and agricultural areas, kill animals, and deplete the soil. They also promote the proliferation of mosquitoes and can contaminate food and water, posing a risk to public health.

Despite the efforts made, the challenge remains immense. WACA calls for strengthening sustainable waste management actions, promoting recycling, and encouraging the use of alternative materials. Protecting the environment also means preserving the health, economy, and biodiversity of the Mauritanian coastline.